As a school bus driver, my manager always knew that I needed a route of my own, rather than being used as a spare driver, who filled in when other drivers were unable to do their route.  You see, I have no sense of direction, so when I was sent out to do another driver’s route, unless I had previous opportunity to drive the course several times, I would always get lost. 

Fortunately, when it comes to spiritual direction, life is much easier due to the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life.  Jesus told his disciples: “But when he the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.  He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears and he will tell you what is yet to come.” (John 16:13 NIV)

The Holy Spirit resides in the hearts of all believers in Jesus Christ; those who have trusted in the work he did upon the cross, for each of us.  The Spirit is thus available and able to guide and direct God’s people, every day as we ask and are open to hearing, embracing and following his lead.

The Spirit uses God’s word, the Scriptures, bringing them to our minds as we have need of them, showing us the way to proceed, it is therefore important for us to know the word.  2 Timothy 3:16 reminds us that, “all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16 NIV)

 The Spirit is also able to impress upon our hearts and minds, God’s direction for our lives by means of his still, quiet voice within us.

In the book of Acts we read: Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia.  When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. 

It was the Spirit who led Jesus into the desert, where he was tempted for forty days (See Luke 4:2a).

The Spirit, in Acts 8:29 told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” (NIV). Philip obeyed and by so doing had the opportunity to lead a man to faith in Christ.

What a relief these truths concerning the Spirit should be for all of God’s people, for this world has many twisty dangerous paths, detours and dead ends where one can easily get lost or confused.   With the Holy Spirit within us however, we always have God’s compass ready and eager to reveal and urge us toward the correct direction and path to follow. 

Prayer: Father God, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit.  Encourage me each and every day to ask for and be open to His leading.  In Christ’s name.  Amen.

Lynne Phipps
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada