The Still Small Voice
The Power of Discernment: By Many Strands
Chapter Six, Part Seven
By Many Strands
A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. (Deuteronomy 19:15)
Outside Scalloway Harbour in Shetland, three harbour lights (white, green and red) guide sailors along the navigation channel between the cluster of jagged rocks and islands. Only when all three of these lights line up and appear as one white light is it safe to enter the harbour.
Bob Mumford counsels that when God is about to lead us along some major new path, He will normally confirm His word to us in several different ways. He suggests that we should look for at least two or three other strands of guidance apart from a direct word dream or vision before accepting that some direction really does represent the authentic leading of the Still Small Voice: for example, the witness of Scripture, the peace of Christ in our hearts, the confirmation of other mature Christians, as well as the specific opening or shutting of doors.
Nearly three and a half years after we moved to Shetland, three people came to us separately to tell us that the moment we had completed our assignment – the prayer conference for the northern nations – the Lord would recall us rapidly down south again
The call had come earlier than we had expected, and the transition was a fraught one. Several seemingly promising leads failed to develop altogether. Because Ros was under intense pressure at work, the enemy did all he could to keep the uncertainties as high as possible. Friends kept praying. One saw us in a hot air balloon, heading south and landing in a remote rural region.
The picture strengthened us through several painful and perplexing months. Suddenly, it all happened. A job opened up and we rather miraculously found a house to live in. Less than three weeks after the Conference had finished, we were on the boat and heading south to start a new life in much warmer climes.
For Reflection and Prayer
Most of the mistakes I have made in matters of guidance have come as the result of allowing myself to be convinced too easily by one or two strands of guidance, instead of waiting for the Lord to confirm both the details and the timing. Even when some initial piece of guidance seems overwhelmingly strong, we should be wary of acting on one strand alone – especially if it involves major changes.
Contents
COME AND LISTEN
RECOGNISE HIS VOICE
ENCOUNTER HIS PRESENCE
EXPLORE HIS SILENCE
THE ART OF REFLECTION
THE POWER OF DISCERNMENT
Handling discernment
Testing Words and discernment
Peace - the Umpire
From Ruach to The Rock: The Shetland Saga
The 'Brandle Factor'
When the Timing is out
By Many Strands
Fleeces and Decision Making
Doors Opening: Stay Inside!
Discordant Voices
Avoiding the Trammel Net
Checking our Track Record
Putting Things Right
When God fulfills His Promise by another Route