A dear young man met me some years ago. We were discussing the subject of marriage. According to him, “God said I can marry any of these three sisters.” I nodded in disbelief. Did God really tell him that? Is God as confused as he is?

Friend, the word of God provides the basis for discerning the will of God. This is why you must know the Bible before you know the spirit. Getting into spiritual experiences without a word foundation is another recipe for disaster. God’s word must be given its place in our lives as we find out the will of God.

God works by His Spirit through His word and by His word through His Spirit. The Holy Scriptures and the Holy Spirit work together as far as God’s dealing with man is concerned (Psalms 119:89, 2 Peter 1:21). Any supposed communication that negates the provisions of the scriptures must be discarded without sentiments (Luke 4:4).

There is the general will of God and there is the specific will of God. The general will of God is found in the Holy Scriptures while the specific will of God is found in the Holy Spirit. The general will of God is that you must not be unequally yoked with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14). But, even among the believers, there is the specific choice of God for you as to who to marry; you get to know that in the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14).

The fact that the Bible says that “whatsoever you do shall prosper…” does not give you permission to go do just what you like (Psalms 1:3). You need to find out, in the Holy Spirit, what exactly you are to do to enjoy the prosperity package you have in God (Ephesians 5:17). That God promised to keep you in all your ways does not mean you should go just anywhere; you need to allow Him to order your steps (Psalms 17:4, 37:23, 91:11).

You need the balance of the Word of God and the Spirit of God if you would walk in accuracy this season. Know the Holy Scriptures, and also know the Holy Spirit. Spend time in prayers so that your spirit man is well cultured to discern the will of God, and also spend time in study so you can decipher the voice of God (Psalms 29:3, Isaiah 8:20, 1 Corinthians 2:10).

© ‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria