One reason some of God's children find themselves in unpalatable situations is that they don't submit to the leading of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit leads us through the Word.

 

Any counsel you receive that's contrary to what the Word says isn't from the Holy Spirit. Some people pray about something, then an idea comes to them, and they say, "Well, God is leading me to do such-and-such." If you were to ask them, "Why do you believe it's God that's leading you in that direction?" they'd say, "because I prayed about it."

 

The fact that you prayed about it isn't enough! What did the Lord say to you after you prayed? Did He tell you expressly to go ahead and do whatever it is you think He's leading you to do? Is the idea you got in sync with God's Word? Is it consistent with the scriptures? His Word is His will expressed. In yielding to the Spirit, to be led by Him, you yield to the Lordship, supremacy, and guidance of the Word.

 

This is why knowing the Word for yourself is absolutely indispensable. It's important to have accurate knowledge of the Word. The more submissive you are to the Lordship of the Word, the more easily the Spirit can lead you, and express Himself through you. His desire is to lead you from glory to glory.

 

Our theme verse says, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the SONS OF GOD" (Romans 8:14). The underlined portion has to do with maturity; it refers to the matured sons of God ("huios": Greek)—those who have come to the place of maturity—they subject themselves to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

 

To fulfil God's destiny for your life, you must learn to follow the Spirit in the Word, by the Word, and through the Word. Never make a major decision in your life without consulting with Him. And don't be in a hurry when seeking His guidance; be patient until you hear His voice—His words—in your spirit, and never be in conflict with the Scriptures.