I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am
(Philippians 4:11).

Some of us tend to assume that it is God’s will if the circumstances
are favorable and it isn’t God’s will if the circumstances are
unfavorable. Next to the Bible, I would guess that more Christians are
"guided" by this means than any other. Yet of all the possible
means of guidance, this is the least authoritative and trustworthy.

I had the privilege of pastoring a church that purchased new
property and went through a building program. Through most of the
process the circumstances didn’t seem favorable. Twice I sat with the
mayor, who was also a local real estate agent, and asked him if he
thought our plans were feasible. He advised us not to make the land
trade, and he didn’t think the city would allow us to build. He knew the
real estate and the political climate better than anyone in the city.
But the land swap increased our assets by millions and the city planning
commission voted 7-0 in favor of our building plans.

You may have to set sail by the tide, but you’d better be guided by
the stars or you’re going to end up on the wrong shore. Circumstances
may have their effect on your plans, but you have a far greater
accountability to God. Make sure you follow Him, not the tide of
circumstances.

I heard a motivational speaker say, "I don’t like to recruit
Christians because when the going gets tough they quit, concluding that
it must not be God’s will." Generally speaking, I believe that
Christians should live above life’s circumstances and not be guided by
them.

Also be careful about applying too much significance to unusual
circumstances or coincidences. "It must be God’s will. Why else
would that book by lying there!" It could be God’s will, but I
would never take that kind of a sign on its own merit. I have helped
many people in occultic bondage who have made bizarre associations or
attached far too much significance to irrelevant events.

Lord, I determine to test all guidance by Your Word and not to be
swayed away from Your will by circumstances or popular opinion.

This daily devotional is published and distributed by http://www.GOSHEN.net/ . It is
written by Neil Anderson at http://www.freedominchrist.com/
.

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