The following is an excerpt from our daily devotional series Fasting and the Heart of God.

“The Lord will guide you continually…” (Isaiah 58:11)

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I recently took a trip involving a four-and-a-half-hour drive. Unlike car trips in the “stone age” when we used funny things called maps, I was confident at each turn that we were going in the right direction. Why?  Because of a magical invention called the GPS. Here we see God’s better promise—His personal guidance continually, without interruption.

Pray for your fellow intercessor.

Verse 10 begins with “If…” If God’s people repent and reach out to the hungry and afflicted, He will guide them continually. To paraphrase: “Here I am. You may rely on Me in all you do. You will not go astray. I will keep you in my will and purpose; even bring necessary correction. I offer this continually.” Like a “heavenly GPS.” Wow!

Is there application to us? What about that daunting “if”? Is God trying to bribe His people? Not at all. Let’s remember: God is not speaking of withdrawing His love, but about guidance. He promises obedient people guidance into useful, fruitful, satisfying lives. So, while the “if” can be unsettling, it needn’t be. God’s promises are often conditional, and our part prepares us for blessing to follow.

The Gospel is a call to fellowship with God and fruitful service. Romans 12:1-2 says, “I urge [all of you], by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God … Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed …  that you may prove … the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”  Surrender to God brings revelation of His will. One can imagine God saying, “I will help you love and serve Me, and I will guide you. Only a life in motion needs guidance. Do not hold back. I will supply all you need. As you move forward, I am ready to guide you on your journey.”

The solution lies in John 15:5. Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”  Abiding simply means spending time. I need more time with Jesus. How about you?

In your time seeking God today:

• Spend time in our Father’s presence. Ask Him to teach you more about abiding. Be still. Know that He is God (Psalm 46:10).
• Ask for help to confess and forsake any known disobedience in your life. God is gracious to forgive and restore fellowship.
• Ask the Lord to show you areas in your life where you are not fully reliant upon Him. Surrender those areas to Him as they are revealed.
• Don’t panic! Try not to let busyness replace fellowship and specific guidance. God has a plan for you, and He will help you find it and follow it in His grace. He will give you peace.
• Remind God of His promise in Scripture. Ask Him to guide you continually so that His will be accomplished in your life and on the earth.

Related Scriptures:

• Psalm 46:10; Psalm 119:105
• John 15; Matthew 11:28-30; Matthew 28:20; Romans 12:1-2

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