‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬An important consideration in determining direction is prevailing circumstances. There is a little phrase in scripture which says, “as occasion serves you”. I think this refers to doing things as circumstances dictate. Here is an illustration. My daughter had her traditional wedding in February 2022. We toyed with several probable dates for her wedding in London. We first set September 24, 2022. The calculation was that her partner who was still in Nigeria would have crossed over, and they both would file notice of intent to wed. We assumed it would be 29 days, effective from the date of filing of intent. We later moved the date to October 22, and then 29. When further enquiry was made, we understand that since the couple are not UK citizens, the notice to be given is not 29 days but 70! That pushed the wedding till December, submitting to circumstances.

An important consideration in determining direction is prevailing circumstances…In order to enjoy divine leading, we must pay attention to circumstances.

In order to enjoy divine leading, we must pay attention to circumstances. Prevailing circumstance was a contributory factor to Jacob’s exit from Laban’s employ. It had been some twenty years since Jacob teamed up with Laban. Over this period, he had carried out his assigned task with zest and zeal. Apparently, Laban was pleased, until this moment in time. Suddenly the friendly attitude of two decades turned to a frown. Jacob saw through this unfolding event, and he knew it was time to move on. Opposition can be an occasion for God to show us the next thing for our lives. We are not suggesting that we are to take to flight at the slightest opposition we encounter, but we should learn to discern when the raging wind is sent as a signal from the Lord.