Seven
steps toward confirming that what you heard was from God:
1
Prayer.
One
of the ways God rewards His children who seek Him is through an
ever increasing ability to hear His voice. Don't monopolize your
conversation with God - take time to sit quietly and listen so
that He may speak His will. Get rid of the distractions of TV,
phone, or other people when you pray. (Matt. 6:5-7)
2
Inner peace.
If
God is giving you a vision or dream that reveals His purpose for
your life, He will always confirm it with the feeling of peace
within you. As you think about what you believe is His will for
your life, do you have a peaceful feeling inside - or an uneasy
feeling? (Gal. 5:22)
3
The Word of God.
The
purpose God gives you will never contradict the Bible, but will
always be in line with it. God uses different methods to confirm
His will. Illumination is when you are reading the Bible and a
particular verse seems to leap off the page at you. Repetition is
when the Bible verse pertaining to your purpose comes across your
path several times - spoken by a friend, read in a book, heard on
the radio, or found in the Bible itself during daily reading.
References are when specific Scripture references drop into your
mind. When you look them up they point you toward - or away from -
your idea, depending on whether God is the author of that idea.
(Ps. 119:105, 2 Tim. 3:16)
4
Wise counsel.
A
wise counselor is someone who is already experienced in the area
you discuss with him. He or she has the ability to add substance
to your ideas and plans. For example, if you need wise counsel in
the financial arena, you talk to someone with the expertise in
money matters. (Prov. 12:15, Prov. 13:10, Prov. 19:21)
5
Circumstances.
The
Lord can manipulate and control natural circumstances to confirm
His Word through everyday happenings in your life. While this is
an exciting occurrence, it should be only a part of the process of
discernment.
6
Supernatural happenings.
God
uses the supernatural visions, dreams, angels, and burning bushes.
Do not use supernatural happenings as the only means of confirming
the purpose and ideas God may impart to you. Such happenings are
rare when compared to the total time span of biblical history. (1
Cor. 14:29, 2 Cor. 4:4)
7
Timing.
When
the six steps of confirmation listed above are in agreement, you
can be sure that God has spoken to you to
confirm
the word He has revealed to your heart. But if you
launch
out before His perfect time dictates you can fail miserably.
You must continue to seek Him concerning the
correct
moment for stepping out and acting on that purpose.
(Ecc.
3:1)
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Materials
from Discover Your Purpose! Design Your Destiny! Direct Your
Achievement! Proven Strategies for a Productive, God-Centered
Life! by William D. Greenman, copyright (c) 1998.
