THE INWARD WITNESS
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God (Romans 8:14).
God guides you through your spirit, and not your mind, and He seeks to lead you, primarily through the inward witness. This is the most important leading of the Spirit of God in your life and it’s available to every Christian.
Now, there’s a difference between the inward witness and the inward voice. Have you ever heard someone say, “Something told me to move from there; and as I moved forward, a terrible accident happened behind?” It’s not “something” speaking. That’s the inward voice; the voice of your spirit. When the inward voice talks to you, it’s a little authoritative. You could suddenly hear a voice from inside say, “Get up! Go and turn off the gas in the kitchen.” People have lost money, businesses, jobs etc., because they didn’t listen to that voice.
The inward witness, on the other hand, isn’t a voice, but a consciousness of guidance from your spirit. Imagine that you were contemplating going somewhere or buying a property; or maybe you had two jobs offered to you at the same time and you’re not sure which one to take. At such a time, what you need is to recognize the inward witness. How does the inward witness function?
You’ll discover that when you pray, a consciousness of joy wells up in your heart within the direction that God wants you to go. Sometimes, your head or mind may not agree, but the inward witness just bears witness within you that this is the direction. If for any reason, you consider going in the opposite direction, you’ll find a dampening of your spirit, not your mind. Each time you pray, the witness will come as though with hesitance and reluctance. That means it’s a “no.”
Some people have forced themselves to go against the inward witness, and they missed God. Some even wait for spectacular signs, saying, “Lord, if a dog barks at 3am from the right side of my compound, I’ll know it’s you.” God doesn’t lead us like that.
Through the Word and inward witness, the Holy Spirit leads and guides you from glory to glory. Train yourself to listen to the inward witness and the inward voice; it’ll save you from unnecessary problems in your life. You’ll have a glorious, successful and victorious life, if you’d learn to trust and follow the inward witness, and the inward voice.