By Olufemi O. Ikumapayi
Opening Scripture:
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” — Psalm 32:8
The Sufficiency of God’s Leading
When the wise men set out from the East, the Lord gave them a star to follow. That light was enough. It carried them across nations until it stood over the very house where the Child was (Matthew 2:9–10). In the same way, when the Spirit of God leads us, His direction is complete. We do not need to add to it or “improve” it with human wisdom.
The Temptation of Human Validation
Yet along the way, the Magi paused. Instead of continuing under the star, they turned aside to King Herod (Matthew 2:3–4). Their detour speaks to a temptation we all face: the urge to validate what God has already confirmed, or to announce ourselves prematurely. Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.”
A Personal Encounter
One morning, as I was walking and reflecting, the Spirit drew near to me. I was reminding myself of how many prophetic words had been spoken over my life — not just from others, but even the ones I had prophesied to myself under His leading. Yet, at the same time, I admitted: “Lord, help me — because there are many times I forget to follow fully.”
The Spirit responded with a question:
“How do you suppose the young prophet in 1 Kings 13 received all the instructions he followed, and even the prophecy he spoke against the altar?”
Then the Spirit explained:
“He received them the same way you have been receiving — through My Spirit. But the moment he doubted My direct leading and thought another prophet’s voice carried higher weight, it led to his downfall.”
That moment pierced my heart. It reminds me that when the Lord is leading us — whether through the inner witness of His Spirit, or through a clear sign like the star that guided the wise men — our response must always be the same: to follow, trust, and obey.
The Danger of Mixing Instructions
The young prophet had a clear word from God, but he compromised it when he allowed another voice to override it (1 Kings 13:18–24). His story is a warning: no matter how prophetic or anointed we may be, doubting the Spirit’s direct leading because of human authority can lead to loss. Paul said it this way: “You were running well; who hindered you…?” (Galatians 5:7).
God’s Mercy, Not License
Even in our weakness, God is sovereign. Egypt was already written into prophecy (Hosea 11:1; Matthew 2:15). The Lord makes provision for our shortcomings, but His mercy is never a license for carelessness.
A Call to Total Dependence
Beloved, when the Lord is leading you, the star is enough. Resist the urge to announce yourself too soon, to validate God’s word through unbelieving voices, or to mix obedience with “better ideas.” Dependence on God is not partial — it is total surrender.
Reflection
- Where have you paused God’s clear leading to consult a “Herod”?
- Are you tempted to prove what God is doing in you before its time?
- Do you remember that the same Spirit who gave you the word will also sustain you in obedience?
Prayer
- Father, thank You for always leading me by Your Spirit.
- Forgive me for the times I leaned on human voices instead of following You.
- Help me to stay sensitive, obedient, and fully dependent on Your guidance.
- Keep me from exalting other voices above Your Spirit’s leading.
- Let the light of Your guidance go before me in every assignment.
Olufemi O. Ikumapayi
Scroll Tabernacle – A Prophetic Word Ministry