In every decision, plan, and purpose of life, we choose between two distinct ways to function—with or without God’s help.

You see, God always wanted a family—we were created “in His image“. A family shares and communicates. How our Heavenly Father longs to speak with us!

While most people in the world function by vision, God’s people are called to operate in a radically different way—by revelation.

Let me explain . . .

People devise plans: businesses and organizations craft mission and vision statements, mapping out what they’re about and where they are going. Individuals often set goals. In all these things, people then orchestrate their lives to achieve those purposes.

As Christians, God desires for us to live differently: by arranging our lives according to His revelation, and trusting Him even when things don’t seem to make sense.

“Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law.” (Proverbs 29:18 NKJV)

Whenever people fail to base their lives on God’s revelation they live unrestrained—or do what is right in their own eyes. They may make goals, arrange their agendas, and even pray for God to bless their efforts—all without His guidance and direction.

Yet God is not hiding His will from us!

God’s revelation is revealed primarily in two ways: in His Word, and via the Holy Spirit.

His Word contains everything we need for life: 

“His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” (2 Peter 1:3-4 NKJV)

God also reminds us of the daily dependence we’re to have on Him:

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word [rhema = speaking] that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4 NKJV)

God’s “speaking” or revelation is revealed through His spirit. Hebrews 12:25 tells us He is always speaking.

We need only quiet ourselves to listen . . .

God wants us to trust Him with all our needs. This doesn’t mean we fail to plan or prepare for the future. He knows what we need to do and what tomorrow will bring. He understands the problems we face and He will not withhold His help from us.

He simply asks that with trusting hearts we look to Him each day and carry out with obedience what He tells us.

How wonderful that God provides for us His words to live by—today! 

Will we hear and obey?

Copyright © 2016 Cheryl Elton

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