Why Do People Lose the Leadings of the Spirit of God?
This is a question many people ask: Why do people lose the leading of the Spirit of God in their lives and ministries? If there is anything to be cautious about, it is losing the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
We must remember that we are anointed for a purpose. If we venture into areas where we are not called, we risk losing the leading of the Spirit in our lives.
Following God’s Will: The Example of Jesus
“When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself.” — John 6:15
Jesus preferred solitude with the Father over earthly kingship. He knew that being made a king by force was not God’s will for His life. He understood that yielding to public pressure would cause Him to lose the leading of the Spirit.
Many people fall into this trap—making decisions based on opportunities rather than God’s direction. Unlike Jesus, who had no unfulfilled earthly desires, we often jump into things prematurely and end up losing the guidance of the Spirit.
Adding Things Not of God
When we introduce elements into our lives and ministries that are not from God, we risk losing His leading.
“Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables…” — Acts 6:1-2
Even the apostles began sensing that they were straying from God’s direction. The dissatisfaction among them indicated that God’s Spirit was not leading their work. However, they were humble enough to recognize the issue and make changes.
“Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word.” — Acts 6:3-4
By delegating responsibilities, they returned to their primary calling—prayer and preaching. The result? “The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly…” (Acts 6:7). This teaches us to discern whether leadership roles and opportunities are from the Lord. Otherwise, we may become leaders without being led by the Spirit.
Consistent Disobedience Leads to Loss
A perfect example of losing the Spirit’s leading through disobedience is King Saul.
“As he turned away to leave Samuel, God gave him another heart… and the Spirit of God possessed him…” — 1 Samuel 10:9-13
Initially, Saul had a clear leading of the Spirit. However, consistent disobedience caused him to lose it.
“Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Surely, to obey is better than sacrifice… The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you this very day…” — 1 Samuel 15:22-31
Saul’s continued disobedience led to his downfall. Eventually, he lost all connection with God and sought guidance from a medium—a practice he had previously outlawed.
“Now Samuel had died… When Saul saw the army of the Philistines, he was afraid… When Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD did not answer him, not by dreams, or by Urim, or by prophets. Then Saul said to his servants, ‘Seek out for me a woman who is a medium, so that I may go to her and inquire of her’…” — 1 Samuel 28:3-7
Years earlier, he had removed all mediums from Israel, yet now he sought one himself. This shows how disobedience leads to complete spiritual blindness and separation from God.
Jealousy: A Path to Losing the Spirit’s Leading
Jealousy can also cause us to lose the leading of the Spirit. “But through the devil’s envy, death entered the world, and those who belong to his company experience it.” — Wisdom 2:24
When Saul saw David’s success, he became jealous.
“Saul was very angry, for this saying displeased him. He said, ‘They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands…’ So Saul eyed David from that day on. The next day an evil spirit from God rushed upon Saul, and he raved within his house…” — 1 Samuel 18:8-10
This was a clear sign that Saul was losing the Spirit’s guidance.
Similarly, when Miriam became jealous of Moses, she was struck with leprosy (Numbers 12:1-16). Jealousy distances us from God’s presence. Instead of envying others, we should bless them and rejoice in their success.
Conclusion
Losing the leading of the Spirit happens when we:
- Step outside of God’s will due to pressure or personal desires
- Take on responsibilities not intended for us
- Consistently disobey God’s commands
- Harbor jealousy toward others who are blessed and anointed
