So you think God has spoken to you, but you’re not completely sure? We’ve all been there. The truth is that sometimes God’s voice is easy to recognise, and sometimes it’s not. If there is a question in your mind about whether or not something you’re sensing is from God, ask yourself the following questions.
IS IT BIBLICAL?
If the answer to this question is no, then you have your answer. God will never tell you to do anything that is contrary to His Word. Even if what you are sensing feels so real and so strong, watch out! There are many spirits in the world but only one Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit will never contradict the Scriptures.
IS THIS CAUSING CONFUSION IN MY HEART?
If the answer to this question is yes, then what you are sensing probably is not from God because God is not the author of confusion (1 Cor. 14:33). Jesus likened His people to sheep, and sheep are very easily frightened and confused. God may challenge us to think differently about things or to reach out to new levels of faith, but He doesn’t create confusion or the doubt and strife that often accompany it.
IS THIS PRODUCING PEACE IN MY HEART?
Jesus’s voice comes with an awareness of heavenly peace. In contrast, the devil uses urgency, pressure, and fear to drive people. There can certainly be exceptions to this rule. Sometimes the Lord speaks words of correction and rebuke. There are also situations when the word of the Lord is time sensitive and immediate action is required. But most of the time when God speaks, it is not a driving, demanding, high-pressure, “You have to do this right now or else!” word. If you believe God is speaking to warn you of imminent danger and you must react quickly, then do so. But if you believe God is speaking to you to quit your job, sell your house, and go to the mission field before next Thursday, it might be best to slow down a bit, get into the Word, and seek some godly counsel.
HAVE I QUIETED MY DESIRES AND SELF-INTEREST?
The voice of our own longings, interests, and opinions can easily be confused with God’s voice. To make sure what we are hearing is from God, we must identify our desires and self-interests and, as an intentional act of our will, neutralise them. The louder the voice of our own will, the quieter God’s voice will be. Conversely, the quieter the voice of our own will, the louder God’s voice will be. Therefore, if what you are sensing grows quieter as you silence your desires, then it is not from God. But if what you are sensing grows stronger as you neutralise your own desires, then it just might be from the Holy Spirit.
