Spirit-Led Decisions

“They prayed and said, ‘You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship’ … They cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias.”—Acts 1:24–26 ESV

Judas had died, and the surviving apostles needed a replacement. But how could they fill this vacancy? They decided to cast lots, a method common in Old Testament times. The disciples assumed that when the lot fell on Matthias, they had heard from God.

But they learned that God wanted to lead them in new ways. In fact, casting lots was mentioned only once in the New Testament. Jesus’ followers had to learn new ways to receive God’s guidance. They had to learn to be guided by the Holy Spirit.

Particularly after the Day of Pentecost, they began to learn the importance of Spirit-led decisions. They had to rely on the Spirit and less on their subjective thoughts and opinions. They could not assume they knew what God wanted, and they needed to be ready to follow Him.

They needed to learn to wait on God, be absolutely surrendered to His will, and be sensitive to the Spirit’s leading (John 14:15–26). The disciples were never to presume His direction and to realize He was like the wind that “blows where it wishes” (John 3:8).

Don’t presume to know how God wants to direct you or how He might answer your prayers. Submit every issue to Him. Learn to wait on Him. Be open to doing things in new ways as He directs. Stay sensitive to His leading. Surrender to Him, and be ready for His guidance.

Reflection Question: Where has the Holy Spirit been leading you lately?