In the journey of faith and obedience, there comes a pivotal moments when we must trust the subtle yet profound nudging of the Holy Spirit. The phrase from Acts 15:28, “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us,” captures this essence beautifully. It is a reminder that even in the early church, monumental decisions were often guided by what “seemed good” to the Holy Spirit and the believers. This approach speaks volumes about the faith and trust God places in His people to discern His will.
There are times in leading our companies and teams that we don’t or can’t hear clearly from the Lord. Or, we receive conflicting advise and counsel from trusted mentors and advisors. What do we do then? This example from scripture give me confidence to began with a listening ear with my heart postured towards God and move forward and allow the Lord to speak as I walk.
A Massive Shift in the Early Church
The context of Acts 15:28 marks a significant turning point for the early church. The leaders were grappling with the inclusion of Gentiles into the faith—a major cultural and religious shift. How did they communicate this revolutionary change? By simply stating, “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us.” One might expect a more definitive statement for such a monumental decision. Yet, this phrase underscores a profound truth: the leadership of the Holy Spirit often comes in a gentle assurance rather than an overpowering directive.
Trusting the ‘It Seems Good’
I hear the Lord saying, “Tell my marketplace leaders to have faith in Me because I have faith in My Spirit in them.” This is a powerful declaration that extends beyond our marketplace assignment and into other areas of our lives and family decisions. God is encouraging us to trust the “it seems good” moments in our lives. These are the instances when the Holy Spirit’s leading is felt as a gentle nudge rather than a thunderous command. It is in these moments that we must trust that the Spirit of God within us is guiding us rightly.
Following Jesus with Faith
In Matthew 4:19-20, Jesus calls His first disciples, saying, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Their response was immediate—they left their nets and followed Him. This instant obedience reflects a deep trust in Jesus’ words and His ability to lead them into their divine purpose. I love the calling of the disciples. It was a major vote of confidence by Jesus. Jesus was affirming them that He saw in them all the right stuff- he was inviting them to come and follow Him. But he was saying, “I can see in you that you have the ability in you to do what I am doing.” Similarly, we are called to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading with the same trust and immediacy. But know this: God is saying to you, “I see that you have the ability to do what I am asking of you. Your calling and appointment is God’s confidence in you- because He has put His Holy Spirit in you and Christ in you is the hope of glory.
God’s Trust in Us
There is a profound truth that we often overlook: while we are commanded to trust in God, He also places immense trust in us. God has faith in the Spirit He has placed within us. He believes in our ability to hear His voice and to discern His will. This is not to suggest that we are infallible but to emphasize that God trusts us enough to partner with us in His divine plans.
Leaning into His Leadership
I can see it, I hope you can too. I can see and I feel the Lord is infusing into the body of believers the ability to trust the Spirit with in human spirit. You believe in God… Believe also in the Spirit of God that dwells in you. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This scripture illuminates the essence of trusting God’s leadership and the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our lives.
It’s time for us embrace the witness of the Holy Spirit in us- the “it seems good” moments in our spiritual journey is the manifestation of Christ in us the hope of glory. These are the times when the Holy Spirit’s guidance is felt as a gentle assurance. Trust in the Spirit of God within you and lean into His leadership in everything you do. God has placed immense faith in us to discern His will and to act upon it with confidence, boldness and obedience.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the Holy Spirit’s gentle guidance in our lives. Help us to trust the “it seems good” moments and to lean into Your leadership in everything we do. Fill us with faith and confidence in Your Spirit within us. Amen.
