Hearing from God is one of the most vital aspects of a Christian's spiritual journey. However, distinguishing between God's voice and the enemy's can be challenging. Here are some key principles and scriptures to help ensure you are hearing from God and not from the enemy.
1. God’s Nature: Gentle and Peaceful
God’s voice is gentle, peaceful, and never rushed. He is patient and kind.
- Isaiah 30:21 (NIV): “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.”
- 1 Kings 19:12 (NIV): “After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.”
God speaks in a still, small voice, encouraging and guiding without force or haste. The enemy, however, often tries to rush, pressure, or push us into decisions.
2. Alignment with Scripture
God will never say something that contradicts His Word. The Bible is the ultimate authority and the foundation of truth.
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV): “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
- Psalm 119:105 (NIV): “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
Anything you hear should be checked against the Bible. If it contradicts Scripture, it is not from God.
3. Confirmation through Prayer and Peace
God’s direction will often be confirmed through prayer and bring peace, not confusion.
- Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV): “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
- Colossians 3:15 (NIV): “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
If you feel a sense of peace after praying about a decision, it is likely from God. The enemy’s voice often brings anxiety, fear, and confusion.
4. Counsel from Godly Advisors
Seek counsel from mature, godly Christians who can provide wisdom and discernment.
- Proverbs 11:14 (NIV): “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.”
- Proverbs 15:22 (NIV): “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
God often confirms His guidance through the counsel of wise and trusted believers.
5. Discernment through the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit helps us discern truth from falsehood. Ask for His guidance and discernment.
- John 16:13 (NIV): “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”
- 1 John 4:1 (NIV): “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
Rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth and to reveal any deception from the enemy.
6. Testing the Spirits
Scripture instructs us to test the spirits to see whether they are from God.
- 1 John 4:1-3 (NIV): “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God.”
The enemy often uses doubt, lies, and confusion to lead us astray. Testing the spirits helps ensure we are hearing from God.
7. Examine the Fruit
The results of following God’s voice will produce good fruit in your life and the lives of others.
- Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV): “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
- Matthew 7:16-20 (NIV): “By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”
If the guidance leads to the fruit of the Spirit, it is likely from God. The enemy's influence, conversely, often results in discord, strife, and negativity.
8. Obedience to God’s Commands
God’s voice will always lead you to obey His commands and live righteously.
- John 14:15 (NIV): “If you love me, keep my commands.”
- James 1:22 (NIV): “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
True guidance from God will align with His commandments and encourage righteous living.
Conclusion
Hearing from God requires discernment, prayer, and alignment with His Word. By relying on the Holy Spirit, seeking godly counsel, and examining the fruit of your decisions, you can ensure that you are following God’s voice and not the enemy’s deception. Stay rooted in Scripture, remain prayerful, and trust in God’s gentle and guiding presence in your life.
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