When he, the Spirit of truth is come, he shall guide you in all the truth.

John 16:13

One thing is certain, that revelation will always precede faith. Seeing and believing are two principles which govern Christian living. When we see something God has done in Christ, our spontaneous rejoinder is faith’s “Thank you, Lord!” Revelation is always the work of the Holy Spirit, who by coming alongside and opening the Scripture guides us into all the truth. Count on him, for he is here for this very thing. And when such difficulties as lack of understanding or lack of faith confront you, always address those difficulties to the Lord: “Lord, open my eyes. Make this thing clear to me. Help thou my unbelief!” He will not let such prayers go unheeded.

Watchman Nee

Faith is not some illusive thing upon which we cast a line hoping to capture a response. Paul, in Romans, tells us the “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” From this we then can conclude that faith is supported by Scripture and upon the scriptures all faith rests. Often we, like the disciples, pray for an increase of faith. According to Paul, if we wish to increase our faith, we must add to our listening to the Word of God. Many people read the Bible and lay it down after wading through a daily reading but fail to listen, heed, or practice what they have read. Like the impatient child who runs off before they comprehend their instructions, it’s easy to read without absorbing the Word.

Christ sent to us a Helper that stays near to us and teaches us. Imagine having the author of an instruction book sitting beside you as you are attempting to put into practice what has been written. Even in those moments of incomprehension or confusion between what you have read and what you’re trying to do, here sits the author explaining and demonstrating each step.

This is what Christ is saying when He tells us that the Holy Spirit is our guide. Several things about a guide are important for us to consider. First of all, guides already know the way for they have made the journey often. These are no map readers or followers of a GPS. These are not first-timers. These are the experienced ones swho have mastered the journey through many treks. None of us have passed through life. While many of us have made a lengthy journey and along the way through experiences have learned a few helpful things, let us not forget that the Holy Spirit has seen all from beginning to end.

Second of all, guides are never out of view of those they are guiding. They know that it would be easy for their followers to get lost as they travel through unfamiliar territory. They also are aware of the dangers and obstacles along the way so they allow their followers to watch they places they walk and reveal the unseen traps to avoid.

Third, guides always make sure that provision for the journey is provided, food prepared, and places of rest prepared. They are aware when the traveler has grown tired and hungry and insure they are cared for.

Finally, guides give assurance, especially when the journey long and wearisome. They encourage the traveler to take a few more steps and assure them they will complete the journey.

I hope you can see the parallel between earthly guides and the Holy Spirit.

Two things about the Holy Spirit as our guide: Guides always arrive before their followers. In those difficult places, our Guide is ever-present, going before us, making a way, fending off enemies, and preparing each pause in the journey. He keeps us informed- we call it revelation- as He makes known to us the plans of God. Second of all it’s the Guide’s job to get us to our destination. We must understand that our Guide has greater knowledge than us and if we can but trust Him, we will make the journey successfully.

Often someone will use the term “blind faith” but there is no such thing. Revelation makes known what we can trust in and faith holds to the facts of revelation.

If for some reason you’re struggling in your faith, ask God to reveal His plans. Some might say that it’s arrogant to ask God to make known to us what He’s up to, but throughout the Bible, we read that God made known His plans and upon that revelation His people trusted.

We are not those who walk in darkness, groping our way through life, hoping we are going in the right direction. We are children of light who walk in revelation and as we wait for the promises, we live by faith until faith becomes reality.

Dr. John Thompson