Counsels on Church Life

Counsel #1 — Pray For Guidance

Picture: Counsel #1 — Pray For Guidance CCL 80.1

Becoming a volunteer missionary^[104] is something almost anyone can do—all that is needed is the desire to serve, a love for Jesus, and a place to go. But while the first two ingredients are freely available, finding a place to go can be more challenging. After all, the world is a big place! The Bible tells stories of people who loved God but tried to serve Him in their own ways. Peter cut off someone’s ear, Jonah wanted God to nuke Nineveh, and Moses murdered an Egyptian. To truly serve God, we need to learn His will and go where He sends instead of following our own misguided thinking. What better way to know God’s will than to pray for Him to reveal it?^[105] CCL 80.2

“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ‘Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.’” Isaiah 6:8 CCL 80.3

“Wherever you may be sent, cherish in your hearts and minds the fear and love of God. Go daily to the Lord for instruction and guidance; depend upon God for light and knowledge. Pray for this instruction and this light until you get it.” Ellen White in The Review and Herald, July 1, 1909, par. 7 CCL 80.4

Reflect: Have you noticed God’s guidance and direction in your life? When was the last time you prayed to know His will? CCL 80.5