If there is anyone we should follow, it is the Spirit of God. The same Spirit that led Jesus Christ will guide us if we submit to His leadership.
“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” (Matthew 4:1)
Becoming a Good Follower
What we need is not just to be good leaders but to be good followers—followers of the inspirations of the Spirit of the Living God. When I led the prayer group at Divine Retreat Centre, I did not consider myself a leader. Instead, I was a follower, keen to hear the Spirit’s voice and give direction accordingly.
Before speaking to the group, I would wait outside the Chapel, seeking the Spirit’s guidance. This practice lifted the prayer group to new spiritual heights. By following the leadership of the Holy Spirit, we overcame the attacks of the devil with ease. When we submit to the Spirit’s leadership, we are both blessed and become a blessing to others.
Learning to Follow an Unseen Leader
When the meetings in Odisha began, many newcomers to the renewal movement struggled with an important question: How can we follow someone we cannot see?
Some even questioned how they could follow a person claiming to be led by the Holy Spirit. However, the apostles stayed close to the Spirit, listening for His whispers and submitting to His direction. They understood that the Holy Spirit did not follow them—they were the ones who needed to follow Him.
The apostles had no wealth, fame, or organization to depend on. Their only anchor was the Holy Spirit. Obedience to the Spirit was everything, and that obedience led to powerful manifestations of God’s presence.
Seeking God’s Will in Everything
Christian leadership is not about acting on our own desires but about seeking the Lord’s will in every situation. Imagine how much better the world would be if leaders consistently sought God’s guidance in their decisions!
“And they went out and proclaimed the good news everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that accompanied it.” (Mark 16:20)
The Bible tells us that the Lord worked with them—not as a co-worker but as a Leader. Without His guidance, we accomplish nothing.
Examples of the Spirit’s Leadership
We see numerous examples in Scripture where the Holy Spirit directly led people:
- Barnabas and Saul were set apart for ministry through the Spirit’s instruction. (Acts 13:2-3)
- Philip was led to the Ethiopian eunuch, resulting in his conversion. (Acts 8:26-40)
- Peter received guidance from the Spirit when he was sent to Cornelius’ house. (Acts 10:19-23)
These stories remind us that when we follow the Holy Spirit’s leadership, we will always be directed toward God’s purpose.
Prosperity Through the Spirit’s Leadership
As long as we follow the Holy Spirit, we will experience true success. Just as God spoke to Joshua, He continues to guide us today:
“This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to act in accordance with all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall be successful.” (Joshua 1:8)
Likewise, when King David sought God’s will in every situation, he was victorious. However, when he acted on his own, he faced trouble.
The Role of Church Leadership
God has appointed people to guide and lead us in our faith journey. The Holy Spirit works through them to shepherd His people:
“Keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock, of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God…” (Acts 20:28)
We must respect and obey the leaders God has placed over us, as long as their instructions align with moral and biblical principles. The Spirit often speaks through wise counselors, urging us to pray, read the Bible, or wake up early for devotion. These instructions, though simple, hold the key to breakthroughs—if we humbly obey.
“The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11-13)
God has placed leaders in the Church to help us grow in faith, knowledge, and spiritual maturity. By following the Spirit’s guidance—both within us and through others—we can walk confidently in God’s purpose.
A Prayer for Guidance
O Holy Spirit, Soul of my Soul! I adore You!
Enlighten, guide, and strengthen me.
Tell me what I ought to do and order me to do it.
I promise to be submissive in everything that You permit to happen in my life.
Only, show me what Your will is.
Amen.
