I Samuel 3:21
“And the LORD appeared again at Shiloh, because the LORD revealed Himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the LORD.”
The Lord revealed Himself to Samuel. This would happen on occasion. This was an occurrence with Abraham, Jacob, Paul and many others. While this is rare today. God brings revelations of a sort to His children.
Acts 16:6-9 gives examples of how God directs us. “They passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia; and after they came to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them; and passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. A vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing and appealing to him, and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” He closes and opens doors.
While it can’t be verified, I believe He guides us like this on a daily basis. He attempts to spare us from many a grief. Sometimes we ignore this guidance and force our way. We end up wasting time and increasing our stress.
He guides us like this for He is the Good Shepherd. Psalm 23 says, “He leads me besides the still waters.” He wants to guide all of us this way. Jesus says in John 10:27 says, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”
How do we hear His voice? The primary way is through scripture. It’s our guide. However, we makes many decisions that scripture doesn’t address. In these areas, He also guides us subjectively, as was mentioned in the Acts passage. Pastor Buddy Owens prays for guidance this way, “Lord, I’m going to do this particular thing. If it’s a bad idea, please interrupt me.”
Lord, thank You for these revelations. Help us to hear and give heed to Your voice.