SPIRITUAL: 5 Days of Inspiration for a Spirit-Led LifeSample

DAY 5 - HEARING FROM GOD

People have been seeking God and His guidance for many centuries. About twenty-five hundred years ago, Delphi, Greece, was considered the place where heaven and earth met. It was believed to be the place on earth in closest proximity to the gods. The city was dedicated to the worship of Zeus’s son, who supposedly lived there.

Delphi was known for its oracle residing at the temple of Apollo. It was believed that Apollo spoke through the oracle, offering wisdom on everything from public policy to personal affairs. The oracle of Delphi was famous throughout the world. People would visit from all across Greece, as well as from places such as Egypt, Rome, and Turkey.

In many ways, Delphi was considered the center of the known world. When anyone from a peasant to a king needed wisdom, Delphi was the place to go. Whenever guidance was needed about whether to go to war or whether to get married, the oracle was consulted. People came to get a word from God (or more accurately, the gods).

The methods used were very strange. Apollo would speak through a virgin who was more than forty years old and who was in a drug-induced state. If an animal froze when it had cold water dumped on it, then the oracle could not seek direction that day; but if the animal shook off the water, then it could be sacrificed. If eagles flew in a certain direction, then that was your guidance. If the wind made a certain sound or blew in a certain way through the oak trees, therein was your answer.

It is remarkable how long people have sought to know God’s will. For thousands of years, people have sought His guidance and direction in their lives—to know what they are to do with their lives. Hebrews 1:1–2 says, “Long ago in many ways and at many times God’s prophets spoke his message to our ancestors. But now at last, God sent his Son to bring his message to us.”

Today we are so blessed that we can have God speak directly to us. We do not need to look to oracles, eagles, or oak trees. We do not need to travel to a faraway place to hear from Him. We do not need to engage in bizarre practices to receive guidance.

He guides us through His Word, the Bible. We can receive such guidance for our lives by reading it. We are also blessed that we have the Holy Spirit. The Spirit guides us into God’s will for our lives.

The Word and the Spirit are all we need to hear from God!