Many times, you hear people say that “God told me this” and “God told me that” “I got a word from God” but is that really true? There are times I thought God told me to do something, and it turned out opposite, so what was I really hearing? Over the years, I have learned to have a quiet spirit, meaning I remain quiet about what I have heard from God until he actually moves me to do what I heard. One reason I remain quiet is because I am waiting for a confirmation from him, not in things that I see happening only. God has a way of confirming for you exactly what he wants you to do. It’s similar to a strong pull or push; it’s not physical but spiritual. The other reason I remain quiet is because the devil is listening also, and he will bring you a counterfeit of God said to you, or a promise and make you think this is God. Satan is a master of tricks and many still don’t recognize that Satan opens doors as well. Satan wants to see people make mistakes, and do the opposite of what God has told them, that is his job. As believers we have to not make God look like a liar, because God say he cannot lie, Hebrews 6:18, Numbers 23:19. Many people, especially believers, even pastors, love saying “God told them this and that”. “God told them to say….”, “God told them this is their wife or husband’, “God told them to tell you, we have to be careful on what we are making God to look like, God is the not author of confusion, 1 Corinthians 14:33. So how do you know if you really heard from God?
Here Are Some Questions to Ponder On
Do I feel a strong pull or push (spiritually) to move in that direction or do this particular thing? Proverbs 3:5-6” Trust in the [Elohim] with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” The push or pull will be a strong desire that you just can’t shake, and even if you tried to ignore it, you are constantly being prompt or reminded of moving that direction or doing this particular thing. It’s nothing you are doing by your own effort.
Is it Biblical? Is this the Will of God? Is it Bringing me Closer to God? Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of [Yahweh], what is good and acceptable and perfect.” For me answering these questions is the upmost importance because I find that many “church folks” are so into doing things that “sounds godly” but when you look closer and read the bible it’s not even biblical! So you have to be careful as to what exactly the bible is saying about what you are about to do and not something that “seems” right or “looks” right or “feel” right to you. You want to be sure this is the will of God for your life and not just your “feelings” moving you. For example, is the desire that you have is it from lust or impatience? That is something you have to examine in your life. Will accomplishing this goal bring me closer to God? Will marrying this person cause me to compromise my spiritual beliefs?
What doors are being open and closed during this time? Isaiah 22:22 “Then I will set the key of the house of David on his shoulder, When he opens no one will shut, When he shuts no one will open.” It’s important to see what doors are being opened and closed and BY WHOM. Is is God opening it? Man? Satan? Or You? As I stated in the beginning, Satan can open doors as well, and his doors looks good, feels good, but it will only lead to your demise and further away from God. Many people also open their own doors; they pushed their way to get what they want outside of God’s will and outside of his timing. When God opens the door it will be effortless, there will be no reason for you to muscle your way through the door. Buy your way up a stage, or beg for attention. If you read the old testament, many of the battles the Children of Israel won, was because God allowed them to win, “And Yahweh said unto Joshua, Fear them not; for I have delivered them into thine hand, there shall not a man of them stand before thee, Joshua 10:8. Yes, you have to put certain things into motion, you have to work, and do your part but the victory, the entry way is provided by God, not by your own efforts.
Is there monetary cost involved? Has God provided for it? Luke 14:28 “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” Many times people do things and say God told them to do something that they are not even financially ready to do. Now, miracles can happen and he will supply your needs. However, he is also a God of order, he wants us to use wisdom, and scripture tells us if we lack wisdom, we can ask for it, James 1:5. You need to sit down and really count the cost of what you said God told you to do, if there will be monetary cost involve and that is for the present and for the future. Many churches are always pressuring the people to finance them, and their vision, and they never sat down and counted the cost of operating a church. If God called you to start a church, then he will provide, and people will freely give. If you find yourself having to muscle people out of money, or create cunning ways to bring in money, you need to enter back into your prayer room and ask God to clarify what you heard. Not everyone is called to preach, nd start churches. Know your place and stay in your lane. Similar for the believers, many like to say “God told them this is their house” and it turns out they can’t even afford it. The only lenders giving you a loan you can’t afford is a predatory one, that is not from God. So stop talking yourself into things and say “God said.”
How do I feel about it? Is this really a desire of mine or God? Luke 12:34 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” It is true that our Heavenly Father wants to give us the desires of our hearts BUT our desire must line up with his will, as well. If your desire is to hurt someone, or to keep up with the Joneses, don’t expect God to answer that prayer. Satan may open a door for you but not God. Make sure you can distinguish your desire, from God’s will, Jeremiah 17:9.
Have you listened to wise/spiritual counsel? Proverbs 11:14 “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” *This one is tricky because not everyone is capable of giving advice on what God has told you. Therefore, it’s important to ask people who actually are doers of the word and listen to God themselves. Just because someone goes to your church and is your friend does not mean they can guide you on spiritual matters. Have this counsel provided biblical information/scriptures to guide you concerning what you have heard from God?
As always, my goal is to help you draw closer to God and provide practical ways to accomplish this. Remember during the times you are trying to figure out have you heard from God, don’t let the fact that you may be experiencing adversary, confusion, challenges, doubts to sidetrack you because that is a part of life in general. Sometimes you have to go through many hurdles just to get one thing done. In addition, stop looking for “signs” here and there because the devil will give you “signs” as well and the last thing you want is to follow the wrong “sign.” Just trust that God can will lead you. Be still, don’t be so quick to say God say this, and God told me that. Listen more and Draw Closer to God.
Want more? How to Know if Your Blessings & Opportunities are From God or Satan
~Blessings from Milly J
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