God’s Clear Direction
“God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints” (1 Corinthians 14:33, ESV)
As we look at how God communicates with us, we must realize that He is not out to confuse us. In our decisions, the direction He gives will always be clear.
When I was in the Army Ranger School in fort Benning, each of those in training were given an opportunity to lead several combat patrols. Some of the leaders were good and others were not. The ones that were the worst were those that could not give clear instructions. I remember one patrol where the leader kept shouting out commands, but they were unintelligible. We were in a total state of confusion and because of this failed the mission. God does not operate like this. It is totally contrary to His nature to confuse His believers.
Paul wrote to the church at Corinth regarding their abuses of worship (1 Cor 14). The particular problem was that their use of the sign gifts in corporate worship was disorderly. Parishioners were popping up and speaking out in a tongue or prophecy in a way that was disruptive in the worship experience. It was confusing, especially to those who visiting from the outside. To this, Paul stated a universal truth. “God is not a God of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33, ESV). This is a universal truth about the character of our God. He is not the author of confusion. He will never direct us in a confusing manner.
When believers are trying to sort out their thoughts and ideas in order to take action, they must remember this principal truth. After prayer, searching the Scriptures, and using the all the first six filters, if they are uncertain or confused as to what to do, their lack of direction is not from God. Believers must have clarity. Thus, the question, “Am I absolutely certain?”
When Paul was on his second missionary journey when he ran into a decision point. He had planned to go into the province of Asia to preach the word. Yet, the Holy Spirit forbid him to speak the word there. Then he and the team “attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them” (Acts 16:7, ESV). Paul did not know what to do. So, what did he do? He did not proceed to do anything immediately. Instead, he waited in Troas for direction. In the night, he had a vision of a man in the province of Macedonia urging him to go and help the people there. Luke recorded Paul’s conclusion. “And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.” (Acts 16:10, ESV) Paul and his missionary team made a firm conclusion that they were to go to Macedonia and left immediately. There was no confusion and they determined to go without any doubt.
This point is this, when God directs us, it is clear. Until you are certain regarding the thoughts and ideas you have, do not act upon them. In due season, God will make things clear as you pray and seek His will in the Scriptures.
Renewing the Heart 