Is God nudging you toward a new adventure? Is God nudging you to reconcile a relationship? Maybe He is nudging you on a new career path. So how do you know you heard God correctly? Good question, right?
There have been many moments in my life where I have just known on some internal level that God was nudging me. That’s not very concrete. Plus, it is so easy for the enemy to mess with us. Wouldn’t it be better to know for sure?
Most recently, God has been pressing in on me to get writing on my second book. Writing is daunting for me. It has been hard to set the time aside. Then a friend said to me that God had told her to encourage me about the book. She said that God had given my the scripture and outline, so I just need to put time on my calendar and get started. I burst out laughing. It was true. God had given me the scripture and outline. I knew I needed to just get started. This was awesome. I wish God always confirmed with me this way. Unfortunately, this is rare for me.
Last week I listened to a message by Rick Warren at Saddleback Church. It was on how to know that what you are hearing is from God. He says there are 7 tests that all need to be passed to know what you are hearing is from God. I so needed this. Feel free to click the link and listen to the entire message. I took lots of notes and want to share my “ah ha” moments with you.
1. Does it line up with scripture? This one is easy for me to think through. God’s will doesn’t contradict His word.
2. Is it in line with the Character of Christ? This is where I have the most notes particularly around submission and reconciliation. Is what I’m hearing impartial not manipulative or selfish? I struggle with selfish ambition. I struggle to know if it is just my own desires or something God wants for me. These two versions of the fruits of the Spirit help me understand the character of Christ as I wrestle with this.
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23
22-23 But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. Galatians 5:22 (MSG)
3. Does my church family confirm it? This can also be a small group or those who hold you accountable.
4. Is it consistent with how God shaped me? I struggle with this one too. Sometimes God is wanting to shape me into more than I thought I could be. I need to remember not to let fear win.
5. Does it concern my responsibility? Here Warren talks about something God brings versus something I go after.
6. Is it convicting-not condemning? This is a great distinction. God will not attach your value. He will point out sin.
7. Do I sense God’s peace about it? God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 4:33)
I will be using these 7 tests and I have begun to schedule time to write. How about you? Remember it has to pass all 7 tests. Share below how you find these helpful.