As regards circumstances, I believe a person may be guided by them; scripture has decided that. It is what is meant by being held in with “bit and bridle” (Psa. 32:99Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee. (Psalm 32:9)), whereas the promise and privilege of him who has faith is, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with Mine eye” (Psa. 32:88I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. (Psalm 32:8)). He warns us not to be as the horse and mule which have no understanding of the will, thoughts, desires of their master. It is needful to hold them in with bit and bridle. Doubtless that is better than to stumble and fall, and strike against Him who reins us in, but it is a sad state, to be guided by circumstances.
Here, however, there must be a distinction made between judging what one has to do in certain circumstances and being guided by them. He who allows himself to be guided by them always acts in the dark as to knowing the will of God. There is absolutely nothing moral in it, but rather an exterior force drags along. Now, it is very possible that I may have no judgment beforehand of what I shall do: I know not what circumstances may arise, and consequently I can take no side. But the instant the circumstances are there, I judge with a full and divine conviction what is the path of God’s will. That demands the highest degree of spirituality.
J. N. Darby