Question from a Site Viewer
I would be deeply grateful to receive a Word from the Holy Spirit. I have been struggling with many questions, as well as confusion, which only the Lord Jesus can resolve.
Tim’s Answer
While we are not the Holy Spirit, we know that the sword of the Spirit is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17). The Bible is the Spirit’s Word to us. Accordingly, if you desire a word from the Holy Spirit, I would encourage you to get into the Holy Scriptures. When you read the Scriptures, you are receiving a word from the Holy Spirit. James tells us that the Word is able to save our souls, but that we need to be doers of the Word, and not hearers only (James 1:21-25). The Word is the communication from God to us through the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21). The Apostle Paul tells us that what has been written in Scripture was written for our learning (Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Bible is God’s gift to us to transmit the knowledge of His own self to us, and His will for our lives. So, if you wish to hear from the Holy Spirit, I encourage you to read and practice the Word of God.
This does not mean that the Spirit is restricted to speaking through the Scripture. I would never want to restrict the work of the Holy Spirit. In fact, believers who live out the truth of God are themselves the work of the Spirit, a book known and read by people (2 Corinthians 3:3). Also, sometimes the Spirit will give guidance directly to us on choices we should make. But it has been my experience that more often we pray and then make choices, trusting that God is working out His will in our lives through the choices. I always believe that God is great enough to prevent a choice if I have asked in faith for His guidance. So, in making a choice, I pray and then trust Him that the choice will be one He will bless.
I do not know your circumstances. But I encourage you to read the Bible. Read to get to know God. Read to understand what He wants you to do. Read to conform your life to His will. As you do, God will draw near also to you and lead you in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake (James 4:8; Psalm 23:3).
May His grace and peace be with you.
tim