A critical piece of the puzzle that came by praying in the Spirit was CloudLibrary.org, a website that allows these pastors and leaders, along with their congregations, to download resources in their native languages free of charge. So what was in excess of 270,000 resources given away in 2011 now multiplies in its reach month by month! This is the kind of work God is able to do in and through us when we follow the Holy Spirit’s witness of peace!

Day 4

Receiving Direction

An area that seems to trouble the greatest number of believers is finding God’s direction. I often hear people say, “I don’t know what God wants me to do with my life!” James tells us what to do if we need direction: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God” (1:5). The Greek word for wisdom is sophia, which is more fully described as “the capacity to understand and, as a result, to act wisely.”2 Think of it like this: through God’s wisdom we can first understand and then act.

Who gives us the capacity to understand God’s wisdom and put it into practice? The Holy Spirit. I have been in circumstances in which I really needed direction. When I began praying in tongues, God’s wisdom and direction arose from my spirit and entered my understanding. The act of praying in tongues illuminates God’s direction for our lives.

Let’s read Proverbs 20:5 again. It says, “Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man [or woman] of understanding will draw it out.” Other English translations use the word purpose instead of counsel. In Christ, you have been granted an assignment, or purpose, that is unique to you. This purpose will determine your direction, and it is hidden deep in your heart. As you pray in the Spirit and discover God’s counsel, He will reveal your purpose. This will not happen overnight, so be patient. As you spend time in God’s Word and in prayer, He will reveal your purpose to you. One of my sons likes to put it this way: the Bible is our map and the Spirit is our Guide.