Finding God's Will
Lu 5:4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
Lu 5:5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
Lu 5:6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.
The need for guidance
The surest way to have success is to let God guide you.
There is no substitute for the leading of the Holy Spirit.
The children of Israel had to follow God through the wilderness. So do we.
Pr 16:9 A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
We are most in danger when we think we know we are in control.
The disciples were skilled fishermen. Yet Jesus told them more accurately where to catch the fish. What their knowledge and experience failed to do, Jesus easily did.
Note: If you go against common sense, you'd better be sure it's God.
Guidance from the Lord:
1Ki 19:12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
Isa 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.
Joh 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
Store God's Word in your heart so he can use it.
Dreams, visions, prophecies - be careful here. This is the exception, not the norm.
Paul was led by a dream and a vision.
Mary and Joseph guided by dreams and angels.
i.e. If you can carry a tune, God probably has not called you to a music ministry.
BUT, Benny Hinn stuttered so badly he couldn't complete a sentence.
Ac 15:28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
You must work in conjunction and cooperation with spiritual leaders or you will be out of order and out of God's will.
Exception:
Ac 4:19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
Ac 4:20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
If you go against authority, you'd better be absolutely sure it is God and you'd better be prepared to face the consequences.
Pr 1:5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
Pr 11:14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
Pr 15:22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
Be careful whose counsel you listen to. Look at a person's maturity and track record. Consult godly counsel only. Look at their life and see if it is a good example to follow. (Advice may seem spiritual, but if the person's life is out of order, be wary of their counsel.)