Learning to hear

/

I received a note from a lady named Donna who was looking for God's leading for a particular situation and was not sure how to discern what He was saying.  Here was my response...

Discerning God's voice and direction is one of the biggest challenges that we face as believers. Every Christian, no matter how long they've been walking with the Lord, deals with this from time to time. 

A great place to start is understanding that we have lots of "voices" in our lives, offering direction. We have God's voice, but then we have voices like our own desires, friends opinions, and cultural or family expectations, as well. Understanding this challenge makes us aware that not every impulse we feel is, necessarily, the leading of the Lord.

When learning to discern God's leading, the scriptures are where we begin.  The bible is God's given and established word.  Nothing He ever says to us will contradict the scriptures. So, being a person of the word teaches us what God has already said and what He desires and values.  

The next place to go is to mature believers who are committed to you, and care enough to tell you the truth. That's why the scriptures tell us to gather together with other believers.  Any of us can get confused and conflicted, and none of us are objective when it comes to our own dealings. We need other believers who can remind us of what God has said, in spite of how we may feel in the moment.  Your small group leader or another mature believer you trust would be a great place to start.

I encourage you to keep seeking God's direction in your life. There is nothing like regular time with Him in prayer and the scriptures to train your spiritual ears to hear His voice above all the other noise. 

I hope this helps!

10 Biblical Promises That You Can Count On!

/

He’s always there - Heb. 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,  “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Protection - Psa. 32:7-8  You are my hiding place;   you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah  8  I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;   I will counsel you and watch over you.

Strength - Phil. 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Guidance - Prov. 3:5  Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6  in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Provision - Matt. 6:33  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Wisdom – James 1:5  If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

God’s plan for the future - Jer. 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Rest - Matt. 11:28  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Forgiveness - 1John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

The future is secure in Him - Rom. 8:28     And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.