Led By God (3)

Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:6

There are seven particular occasions when hearing from God makes all the difference.
(1) Before you consider the needs of others. Why? Because their needs are driving them. Only the plan of God should be leading you.

(2) Before you entertain the ideas of others. Why? Because man's ideas are not God's commands. Don't make hasty commitments and end upbound by promises you can't fulfil. Love others, but be led only by God's Spirit.

(3) Before you listen to the complaints of others. You're not responsible for their happiness. Stop being co-dependent - needing to fix others in order to feel good about yourself. Turn them over to God and get back into focus.

(4) Before you make any significant changes. It's not your job to decide what God wants you to do; it's your job to discover it.

(5) Before you respond to the requests of others.Only then will you be able to discern what's behind their requests. Check the soil before you sow. Your seed is too precious to waste.

(6)Before you share your dreams with others. Certain people will scorn your dreams and try to sabotage them. Remember Joseph's brothers? When Satan wants to discourage you he'll use a person - often one who's not even aware of the spirit that's at work within them. Jesus told His own disciples, "You do not know what... spirit you are of" ( Luke 9:55). Ouch!

(7) Before you seek the approval of others. People with their own agenda will flatter and manipulate you. Hearing God's voice will keep you from falling into their trap.