How God leads us

“Your path led through the sea, Your way through the mighty waters, though Your footprints were not seen.” Psalm 77:19
We all know that God doesn’t lead us by tying a rope around our neck and dragging us along, or by flashing neon signs. In fact, God doesn’t lead us from in front, but from behind. When the Israelites crossed the Red Sea (which is what this psalm is referring to), the pillar of cloud – the presence of God – moved from its place in front of the people, and stood behind them, coming between the Israelites and the Egyptians. God told Moses to go on ahead, through the Sea, as the waters parted. (See Ex. 14.)
Sometimes, we can feel God speaking to us in a very tangible way. Sometimes He will give us physical signs, circumstances moving into place, opportunities presenting themselves. But we need to not rely on physical things as being the primary way God leads and guides us. We are called to live by faith, not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7), and to be led by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:14). I’ve found that as time has passed, the Spirit’s voice has become softer. When I was younger, I used to ‘hear’ God speaking to me in a way that was almost audible. This is not to say that I’ve become ‘less spiritual’. Rather, God knows that I am growing in Him, and He shouldn’t need to use a megaphone to get my attention.
Being led by God is like piloting a ship: you have to be moving for the rudder to have any effect in steering the boat. That is why Isaiah says, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it’” (Isa. 30:21). As we step out in a direction, the Holy Spirit will let us know if it’s the right one. We just need to be sensitive to Him.