Dr. Tan Tek Seng

DAILY REFLECTION

“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.”
Isaiah‬ ‭30‬:‭21‬ ‭

Divine guidance is more than a spiritual compass - it is the gracious gift of God, leading His people into truth, safety, and purpose. It’s not merely about receiving directions; it’s about cultivating a deep, daily relationship with the One who sees the end from the beginning and lovingly walks with us through every step.

On September 28, 2018, Captain Ricoseta Mafella, a Christian pilot with Batik Air, experienced this kind of guidance firsthand. As he prepared for departure from Palu Mutiara Airport, he sensed a strong inner prompting to take off earlier than scheduled. Trusting this nudge from the Holy Spirit, he requested and received clearance to depart three minutes ahead of time.

Moments after his plane lifted off, a devastating 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck, followed by a tsunami. The control tower began to collapse. Air traffic controller Anthonius Agung, who had stayed at his post to ensure the plane’s safe departure, jumped from the crumbling tower and later succumbed to his injuries. His sacrifice and Captain Mafella’s obedience to divine prompting spared 148 lives.

Captain Mafella didn’t rely on radar or weather reports - he responded to the still, small voice within. This is the essence of divine guidance: not always logical, not always visible, but always trustworthy.

Isaiah 30:21 reminds us that God’s voice still speaks - through the wisdom of Scripture, the intimacy of prayer, and the promptings within our hearts. When we attune ourselves to His leading, we don’t merely make it through - we step confidently into the life He has lovingly prepared for us.

“When we cannot see the road ahead, we can trust the One who lights the path.”  
— Charles Spurgeon