specific-by-name, how-to directions in the Bible. How many hours a day
should my kids watch TV? Is it okay to play shoot-ʼem-up video games?
Am I allowed to go on a date with a co-worker? Does God get mad if I
miss work because I stayed up too late the night before? We all have
notions about the truth, but how do we know for sure that these ideas
are coming from a Divine Source? Am I hearing God? Sometimes
distinguishing our own ideas from God's leading is difficult. And what
if our urges are actually coming from the enemy of our souls and not
from God? How do we "take every thought captive" (2 Corinthians 10:5)
when we aren't sure where the thoughts are coming from?
The most common ways God communicates are through the Bible and the
leadings of the Holy Spirit. Also, God can use a godly mentor to
provide wise counsel (Proverbs 12:15). If God wants to speak to us,
nothing can stop Him.
Pray
If we are confused about whether or not we are hearing God, it is good
to pray for wisdom (James 1:5). We should ask God to clearly make His
will known to us. When we pray, we "must believe and not doubt,
because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed
by the wind" (James 1:6). If we have no faith, we "should not expect
to receive anything from the Lord" (James 1:7).
Talk to God in prayer and earnestly wait for His response. However,
keep in mind that sometimes He doesn't give us all the answers we
desire. He knows what we need to know at any given time, and He will
tell us if it is best.
Study the Word
Reading the Bible is the primary way God speaks to us. It is also the
best way to learn about God's character and His dealings with people
throughout history. All Scripture is "breathed out by God" and is the
guide for a righteous life (2 Timothy 3:16). While we speak to God in
prayer, He speaks to us through His Word. As we read, we must consider
the words to be the very words of God.
Listen to the Holy Spirit's Voice
The Holy Spirit is God—a divine Being with a mind, emotions, and will.
He is always with us (Psalm 139:7–8). His purposes include interceding
for us (Romans 8:26–27) and making decisions to benefit the church (1
Corinthians 12:7–11).
When we feel that we have received personal instruction from God, we
need to remain wise (Proverbs 4:7). We must "test the spirits" (1 John
4:1). The world is full of noise and distractions, and so are our
minds. Life on earth is a spiritual battle. The enemy is eager to
supply diversions to distract us from God's will (1 Peter 5:8). We
must be vigilant to ensure that what we have heard is more than a
feeling but is truly from God Himself.
Remember, God wants to show us the right path to take. He's not in the
business of hiding His will from those who seek Him.
Here are some good questions to ask as we examine whether or not we
are hearing God: Are the promptings confusing or vague? God is not the
author of confusion; He is the bringer of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33).
Do they go against God's Word? God will not contradict Himself. Will
following these promptings lead to sin? Those who live by the Spirit
will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature (Galatians 5:16).
In addition, you may want to seek counsel from a Christian friend,
family member, or pastor (Proverbs 15:22). GotQuestions.org is a great
resource, too, as we have many volunteers waiting to help answer your
questions with biblical truth.
God does not want us to fail. The more we listen to God, the better
able we will be at distinguishing His voice from the other noises in
our heads. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, gives His promise: "He goes on
ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice"
(John 10:4). Others may speak, "but the sheep [do] not listen to them"
(verse 8). The better we know our Shepherd, the less we have to worry
about heeding the wrong voice.
No comments:
Post a Comment