Over the past few years I've gained a new understanding of God. I've seen several people wondering why they never hear from God, or wondering how they know that it's God talking to them. I wanted to share my experience more generally in the hope that it may help some others who may be struggling with this now. I am not claiming that this is absolute gospel or the only way to hear from God, but I do believe that this is what God desires of all of us even if it plays out a little differently.
1. Get to know God. This is a pretty easy step. Attending church is a great way to start; seeking true understanding of the sermon and scripture. Bible studies can supplement this, along with daily devotions. This is the foundation, and will take the most time to build, but is without a doubt the most important part in answering the "is it God" question.
2. Talk to God. What most people think of as 'prayer' is a good start. The "Dear God, thank you, please help, ...." type communication with God does bring us closer to Him. Building on this even more will certainly help; tossing thoughts His way throughout the day will really help gain that feeling of closeness.
3. Recognize God's righteousness. The Bible repeatedly demonstrates people who do their own thing. Whether they are doing it intentionally to spite God, out of pride, or just out of ignorance, the end result is the same: they should have done it God's way. God's way is best, always. It isn't a failure if we have to rely on Him, it's not a failure if we can't do what we want, it's a success, a huge success!
4. Acknowledge God's nature. This one took quite a while for me to really appreciate/accept but completely opened my life up to hearing from God more often. God wants us to do His will, probably more than we want to. He is not a miser. He isn't hiding His will, saying "oh look, Johnny's getting way off track, I guess I'll have to give him a little hint again *sigh*". If He was anything else, how could there be any hope at all?
This is not an easy process, and it certainly isn't quick. It takes time, and sacrifice. But that moment when you hear from God, and you KNOW it is Him makes it all worth it. Knowing, absolutely knowing, that God is directing your path is truly priceless.
I wish I could provide some guidance on how to hear from God while you're going through these steps. I don't think such a thing is possible. If God, in His divinity, determines that someone needs to hear from Him, they will. And in that moment, if there is any doubt, then I can't imagine it was actually Him.
God's love is so great that once, a long time ago, He sent His son to make His will clear. How simple it must be for Him today to simply speak to us to make His will clear. He will.
1. Get to know God. This is a pretty easy step. Attending church is a great way to start; seeking true understanding of the sermon and scripture. Bible studies can supplement this, along with daily devotions. This is the foundation, and will take the most time to build, but is without a doubt the most important part in answering the "is it God" question.
2. Talk to God. What most people think of as 'prayer' is a good start. The "Dear God, thank you, please help, ...." type communication with God does bring us closer to Him. Building on this even more will certainly help; tossing thoughts His way throughout the day will really help gain that feeling of closeness.
3. Recognize God's righteousness. The Bible repeatedly demonstrates people who do their own thing. Whether they are doing it intentionally to spite God, out of pride, or just out of ignorance, the end result is the same: they should have done it God's way. God's way is best, always. It isn't a failure if we have to rely on Him, it's not a failure if we can't do what we want, it's a success, a huge success!
4. Acknowledge God's nature. This one took quite a while for me to really appreciate/accept but completely opened my life up to hearing from God more often. God wants us to do His will, probably more than we want to. He is not a miser. He isn't hiding His will, saying "oh look, Johnny's getting way off track, I guess I'll have to give him a little hint again *sigh*". If He was anything else, how could there be any hope at all?
This is not an easy process, and it certainly isn't quick. It takes time, and sacrifice. But that moment when you hear from God, and you KNOW it is Him makes it all worth it. Knowing, absolutely knowing, that God is directing your path is truly priceless.
I wish I could provide some guidance on how to hear from God while you're going through these steps. I don't think such a thing is possible. If God, in His divinity, determines that someone needs to hear from Him, they will. And in that moment, if there is any doubt, then I can't imagine it was actually Him.
God's love is so great that once, a long time ago, He sent His son to make His will clear. How simple it must be for Him today to simply speak to us to make His will clear. He will.
