The question presents itself: In what manner and to what extent can we expect the direction of God in our work? The answer is analogous to the same intervention of God in order to liberate us from dangers. We cannot expect visible and sensible interventions, but we can expect with certainty the care and direction of God by His Spirit in the heart if we walk with Him — to be “filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” — to be led by the Spirit if we walk in humility (Rom. 8:14; Col. 1:9; see also Psa. 32:8-9). I do not doubt that if we walk with God and look to Him, the Spirit will put in our hearts the special things that He wishes us to do. Only it is important that we keep in memory the Word of God, in order that it may be a guard against all our own imaginations; otherwise the Christian who lacks humility will do his own will, often taking it for the Holy Spirit. This is but the deceitful folly of his heart—first, that it knows them; second, taking it for the Holy Spirit. But I repeat, he who looks with humility to the Lord will be conducted by the Lord in the way, and the Holy Spirit who dwells in him will suggest to him the things which He wishes him to do.
J. N. Darby