It's a tad late to wish a Happy New Year but I sure hope that it's kicked off good for everyone. Ours kicked off with being so THANKFUL for what God has done and is doing. As I told my family as we were reminiscing over 2024, "There is a lot of 2024 I DO NOT WANT A RE-DO but the Lord has surely taught me so very much. I am truly thankful for each breath, each day, family and close friends. We had our three youngest grands for New Years Eve. We had a great time and the girls enjoyed a little fishing, bonfire with their great-grandfather and roasting marshmallows. Their great-grandfather will be 90 years old next month. As most of you know I do a monthly focus board and this makes my 3rd or 4th year. I've lost count. Only fitting that New Beginnings would be my focus for January. This has been so good for me as it sits on my kitchen counter so I can see it daily. Wonderful way to focus and quote God's Word daily. I felt up to hosting a lunch and movie day with ...
I've had women ask me, "Cindy, how do you know that God is speaking to you? How do you know if God is calling you to do things? How do you know?????
Well, all I can share with them is how I have seen the Lord work in my life and sometimes I have missed it! Just simply missed it! But, that is all the more reason we MUST stay tuned in with God. Take the time to hear His still small voice because He does NOT always speak with a loud boom like we would like for Him too!
As far as Him speaking to me He does that all the time. Not in an audible voice but to my spirit. The problem is that sometimes I just don't simply listen. Anyone else have that problem????
However, when I feel He is calling me to a specific task or asking something of me that I am not quite sure about I try to really listen and look for the signs. My rule of thumb is first and foremost:
1: Does it line up with scripture? If it doesn't, then I know that it is NOT from Him.
2: Is it consistent with His character? Not my character or the character of someone else, but His.
3: Is the message I think I am hearing from Him being confirmed? The message could be at church through the Pastor, the Sunday school or Bible study teacher, another mature believer, my quiet time, and foremost what I am reading and hearing during my quiet time with the Lord.
4: Is this something that I could not do on my own?
5: Would it be pleasing to God? Would it bring Him glory?
6: Are my motives based on love and NOT self-seeking?
7: Am I being drawn to a particular area of ministry or action?
This list is a few things that come to mind when I am facing a situation of "How do I know that I know".
Let me give you an example: When I felt the leading of the Holy Spirit calling me to lead women nearly 18 years ago I must admit, I struggled and questioned God over and over. When I look back the main problem I had was unbelief. I could not imagine God using me in that area. I was still looking in the index of the Bible to find the books (and still do at times). I could not pronounce the words right, (and still don't) could not speak in front of a group of women, (and yes, I sometimes still get jitters) I was not smart enough, good enough, and well....my list could go on and on.
God began preparing me for the task long before I even began to sense it! YEP, that is how our God works at times. Long story short, God showed Himself to me through all seven steps I have listed and more! He never ceases to amaze me. And...the bottom line was that He simply wanted me to be a willing vessel! He did not want me to do the work because He knew I couldn't. I stepped out in Faith and trusted Him and I have never been sorry that I did! Sometimes, it may be only for a season that He needs you in a particular area of ministry. Other times, it's for the long haul. The thing is...GOD has called us all to SERVE in some area or another. He may be calling you right now to something!
Maybe the Lord is calling you to a specific task and you are struggling to know that you know! My advice...follow the simple seven rules I've listed. Talk to a mature Christian that will be honest with you and guide you. Get quiet, listen, seek and step out in faith! Above all listen to the Master's Voice. He never makes a mistake!
When we are tuned in to God His Word will line up in our hearts, soul and mind.....
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Well, all I can share with them is how I have seen the Lord work in my life and sometimes I have missed it! Just simply missed it! But, that is all the more reason we MUST stay tuned in with God. Take the time to hear His still small voice because He does NOT always speak with a loud boom like we would like for Him too!
As far as Him speaking to me He does that all the time. Not in an audible voice but to my spirit. The problem is that sometimes I just don't simply listen. Anyone else have that problem????
However, when I feel He is calling me to a specific task or asking something of me that I am not quite sure about I try to really listen and look for the signs. My rule of thumb is first and foremost:
1: Does it line up with scripture? If it doesn't, then I know that it is NOT from Him.
2: Is it consistent with His character? Not my character or the character of someone else, but His.
3: Is the message I think I am hearing from Him being confirmed? The message could be at church through the Pastor, the Sunday school or Bible study teacher, another mature believer, my quiet time, and foremost what I am reading and hearing during my quiet time with the Lord.
4: Is this something that I could not do on my own?
5: Would it be pleasing to God? Would it bring Him glory?
6: Are my motives based on love and NOT self-seeking?
7: Am I being drawn to a particular area of ministry or action?
This list is a few things that come to mind when I am facing a situation of "How do I know that I know".
Let me give you an example: When I felt the leading of the Holy Spirit calling me to lead women nearly 18 years ago I must admit, I struggled and questioned God over and over. When I look back the main problem I had was unbelief. I could not imagine God using me in that area. I was still looking in the index of the Bible to find the books (and still do at times). I could not pronounce the words right, (and still don't) could not speak in front of a group of women, (and yes, I sometimes still get jitters) I was not smart enough, good enough, and well....my list could go on and on.
God began preparing me for the task long before I even began to sense it! YEP, that is how our God works at times. Long story short, God showed Himself to me through all seven steps I have listed and more! He never ceases to amaze me. And...the bottom line was that He simply wanted me to be a willing vessel! He did not want me to do the work because He knew I couldn't. I stepped out in Faith and trusted Him and I have never been sorry that I did! Sometimes, it may be only for a season that He needs you in a particular area of ministry. Other times, it's for the long haul. The thing is...GOD has called us all to SERVE in some area or another. He may be calling you right now to something!
Maybe the Lord is calling you to a specific task and you are struggling to know that you know! My advice...follow the simple seven rules I've listed. Talk to a mature Christian that will be honest with you and guide you. Get quiet, listen, seek and step out in faith! Above all listen to the Master's Voice. He never makes a mistake!
When we are tuned in to God His Word will line up in our hearts, soul and mind.....
Hugs and Blessings, Cindy
Staying tuned is what I remind myself daily Cindy.
ReplyDeleteConnie Royals
First of all I love that you listed SEVEN....a perfect number in scripture, as you already know!!! Secondly....this is the second time just recently that I've read something about knowing when God is speaking to us....so....is HE trying to get my attention about something?? Should I be concerned?!?!? No, just more alert! Thanks for the "gentle" reminder, my friend!!! Merry CHRISTmas, my friend!
ReplyDeleteDear Cindy, what a powerful message from you today. Years ago a Sunday school teacher told me that sometime we must pray and watch for an answer for a long time maybe years, but not to give up ~ that in time, God has a plan to answer and show us the way. It may not be what we want but in the end, HE delivers everything in our best interest!
ReplyDeleteLike you, I see the answers daily on many questions. They may be very small but they are there in the quiet times, the moments of thought when we stop to listen.
I feel I am always growing in my Christian walk. Learning along the way. It is a joy when you see God's work before you, knowing that HE is and always will be ALL GOOD!!
Thank you for stopping by and your sweet comment. Wishing you a beautiful December day and thank you too for always teaching a heart filled lesson.
Blessings xo
When I KNOW God is talking to me it usually is something that wakes me up at night or keeps pulling at my heart. Somethings that I just can't STOP THINKING ABOUT! :)
ReplyDeleteI am going through this very thing right now and I will be applying your 7 steps to what is going on in my heart/mind. Thanks Cindy!
Oh, my friend. I know the voice of God to my heart. I've heard Him whisper quietly so many times and there's no doubt in my mind that it's Him. He says His sheep know His voice and I've found it to be so true. When we need confirmation that it is His voice the things you've listed will never fail to bring the answer. Thank you for this word today. I've recently heard His voice speak direction to my heart - for such a time as this!
ReplyDelete~Adrienne~
I can feel Him when I pray to Him, Cindy...Christine
ReplyDeleteGreat, thought provoking words Cindy!
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing to come here and read today, Cindy. Such a sweet spirit of obedience and I love all seven things you've listed as to how we can know that God is speaking to us. Hugs to you, my friend.
ReplyDeleteHi Cindy! God has spoken to me loud and clear at times and as I look back, I can see where His hand was leading me. The move we've made to be closer to our children, I know we heard Him because everything fell into place like a jig saw puzzle. Sometimes I get so busy I miss what He's saying to me too! You're a blessing, sweet friend.
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
i get so busy, i have to remind myself to just stop, and just listen to the whispers:)--wishing you a lovely holiday season, cindy!!
ReplyDeleteHi Cindy, a very sweet and important message. We all need to pay attention. Rejoice and celebrate.
ReplyDeleteOh I know HE listens to our prayers and wishes, sometimes only HE knows what you deserve to have and what's best for you...I KNOW and I am happy now, after going through some issues, HE has listened to my prayers.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this lovely and perfect post.
Merry C'mas sweet friend.
FABBY