Amen, Jim. Thank you for sharing your experience of hearing that "still small voice" which directs our path. God's Word will not return void. The truth you shared that morning was not something you knew you were going to do, but God knew it. You often did not speak to others on the trail, but you knew when you must speak, and speak you did.
I know some are fearful of such things. They think it to be trusting in feeling, not in God's Word. But, they are wrong. They have not read the Bible to understand how God leads those who love Him and keep His commandments. You were following Scripture by speaking when you did. There are three Persons in the godhead. It is the Holy Spirit that speaks to our minds. He opens the truth to us. We ought never open the Bible without first praying for the Holy Spirit to show us the truth we need.
Here is a passage from the Book of Job that reveals the working of the Holy Spirit in answer to our lessons question about knowing when to speak.
32:1 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he [was] righteous in his own eyes.
32:2 Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.
32:3 Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and [yet] had condemned Job.
32:4 Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they [were] elder than he.
32:5 When Elihu saw that [there was] no answer in the mouth of [these] three men, then his wrath was kindled.
32:6 And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I [am] young, and ye [are] very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not show you mine opinion.
32:7 I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.
32:8 But [there is] a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.
32:9 Great men are not [always] wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.
32:10 Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will show mine opinion.
32:11 Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.
32:12 Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, [there was] none of you that convinced Job, [or] that answered his words:
32:13 Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.
32:14 Now he hath not directed [his] words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches.
32:15 They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.
32:16 When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, [and] answered no more;)
32:17 [I said], I will answer also my part, I also will show mine opinion.
32:18 For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.
32:19 Behold, my belly [is] as wine [which] hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.
32:20 I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.
32:21 Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.
32:22 For I know not to give flattering titles; [in so doing] my maker would soon take me away.
Some "teach" that Elihu was arrogant, that Job was not self righteous. They have not Spiritual discernment. Elihu was being led by the Holy Spirit to speak. He explains it very clearly. And all who teach such things are poor Bible students also. They either did not read the rest of the Book or they read simple truth and did not understand. They ought to have prayed for the Holy Spirit to help them understand.
Here we read that what Elihu said was confirmed by God, Job was self righteous. Thus, it was the third person of the godhead that was impressing Elihu to speak.
38:1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,
38:2 Who [is] this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?
40:1 Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said,
40:2 Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct [him]? he that reproveth God, let him answer it.
40:3 Then Job answered the LORD, and said,
40:4 Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.
40:5 Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further.
40:6 Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said,
40:7 Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.
40:8 Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?
Elihu was not a prophet, he was a young man who was in a converted state when he reproved Job and his three friends. He could not keep quiet any longer. That "still, small voice" became so strong that he must be refreshed by letting the truth come out. "For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me. Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles. I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer."
Yes, when converted, "there is a Spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding." It is the Holy Spirit. He comes into the heart when we make a full surrender of self. He empowers us to keep God's law of love. He leads us in the path that Jesus followed. All of fruits of the Spirit come into the life when He comes, not one is missing. And, if we have not His Spirit dwelling in our hearts, we are none of His. Read this in Romans chapter eight, verse nine.
Today, we may have God's Spirit in our hearts. That still small voice is speaking to many today who are in the "valley of decision". Jesus stands at the door of the heart knocking. The Spirit wants in. Invite Him in! If you don't, then you do not love Him enough. Spend a thoughtful hour each day getting to know Him. His love is drawing, and if we do not resist it, we shall be saved. It is a promise that by beholding His character of love, we shall be changed into His image (character). Read this precious promise in 2 Corinthians 3:18.
Have a blessed Sabbath dear friends!!