Receiving Divine Guidance

Sunday, May 15, 2016
Listen to this devotional:
Listen while you read: "I Will Sing The Wondrous Story"1 (Lyrics)

Divine guidance is surely something to pray for, because divine guidance is second to none. God's guidance makes each hour greatly blessed, and we live in peace. That is something that we all need, especially as we get older or are in difficult situations. Do you know that feeling of being at peace? It soothes my heart and gladdens my thoughts. Take a careful look at this verse:

Isaiah 58:11 – The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. (NLT)

It is wonderful having a Lord to Whom we can speak daily, but why does God want us to ask for His guidance? God does bless the day ahead when we ask. We can trust Him. When I started reading this passage, I immediately felt an inner peace.

Years ago, when I first started out as a deaconess, and later on as a minister, I was reassured daily that my way ahead was divinely led. I enjoyed each day knowing that it was well-watered by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit never failed me, even when I was facing doing something that I had never done before. All through the years, I experienced divine power guiding me.

In my early days of ministry, I remember being asked to preach at General Assembly, the highest court of our church. Women ministers were few and far between back then, and I had to face hundreds of my colleagues. I prayed hard for God's guidance as to the words that I should say, and something amazing happened. God came through to me in a way that I have never forgotten. There I was preaching. I looked up at the many rows of people before me, and higher than their heads were flames of fire! Right across the spectrum it glittered, just like the day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit filled my words and everything just flowed over all of us.

Acts 2:2-4 – Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (NIV)

I have never spoken in tongues, but I have been aware time and time again of how the Holy Spirit was lifting my words to another level of understanding. The Spirit has been with me all my life, even now as I write this devotional. Yes, the Lord is with us every day as we see the Christian faith spread around the world in many languages. All we need to do is ask for His help.

Human beings need to learn to ask for help. We are not always right. When our choices and plans go wrong, they can be rectified through prayer. It is a humbling thing to ask, but when we believe in the presence of the Holy Spirit, all that we do can be channelled by God in fruitful directions. Each day holds the mark of divine blessing, and we will feel at peace.

Living each day in the light of God's love and the guidance of the Holy Spirit draws us into marvellous happenings — many totally unexpected. Do we know the power of the Holy Spirit guiding us each day? We need to ask the Holy Spirit to take charge of our lives and guide all we try to do each day. We can sense the divine presence as we open up in thanksgiving and let the Lord go before us in every experience. Try it. Your day will be blessed in ways totally unexpected.

Prayer: Dear Lord, we are asking for Your help in all that we try to do today. Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with gladness, that as we experience Your peace, this day may go well. Thank You, Lord, for coming to earth and showing us that we can talk with our loving Lord every day. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Iris Ford
(deceased)

1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    God bless you Iris for your faithfulness.


    Thank You Iris for reminding us of our strength in Him.


    Thank you Iris! I needed to hear these words today.


    Thank you Iris. Your devotionals are always so good. Today’s devotional is just what I need. Bless you!


    Iris, a great devotional.And I an just imagine howe it felt to get up in General Assembly and do that.


    Iris, our Lord Jesus is truly remarkable! Thanks for writing an uplifting devotional. Blessings


    Dear Iris,
    no surprise to me that you would right this.
    That’s a big amen sister and maranatha.
    Blessings.


    Thank you Iris for a most inspirational devotion. May God continue to use your devotions as a means of encouragement for the many readers/listeners. I am so thankful for your word’s today.
    (Ontario)


    What an amazing story of your preaching at GA! I have always been open to the Holy Spirit. Your experience really touched me and I hope you continue to have a daily outpouring in all that you undertake – especially with the DD. Thank you so much for this blessing, with a grateful heart,
    (BC)


    Dear Iris,
    Thank you for the devotional, especially for the witness to the Holy Spirit’s presence in the miracle of your viewing the tongues of fire that God gifted you with.
    I am wondering if the persons you were speaking to experienced the flames too, or if the flames were God’s gift to you personally to uphold you and give you special power in the circumstances.


    Dear Rev. Ford,
    Thank you very much for your timely message.
    I have shared it with our son and daughter. My wife is close to Heaven and we are having to make daily decisions to minimize her pain.
    Our faith is strong but the pain is also real.
    Thanks again for your helpful message.


    You’ve touched upon one of my favourite verses about guidance. Your devotional is marvelous.
    Thank you, Iris.
    God bless you!


    I think you were listening in to God’s Whispers of love to me, Iris, as I wrote my last Devotional book.
    Seriously, I resonated so much with your words that I almost feel as if I were writing them.
    Thank you so much.
    Bless you.


    Hello Iris. I was once at a meeting when I distinctly heard the wind rushing around the room. I looked up from prayer but nothing was moving. At that moment I heard an audible voice say “Be still …” yet it came across more like “Be quiet” – authoritative, but not abrasive. I learned years later that the proper translation of the words is “Listen up!” Pay attention. I was delighted to learn that because that’s exactly the way in which I heard it. My mind was in turmoil at the time, and God definitely got my attention!
    Thanks for sharing your story.

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