Answers From God

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Hi all,

I'm struggling to understand what is meant when people say they hear God and how we know when God is talking to/answering us.

For example, let's say I have a decision to make and I take that decision to the Lord because I want to do His will. How do I know what His answer is? Let's say I ask Him whether I should take a new job offer, how do I know He has answered? How can I really be sure that the decision I make is God's decision and not my own?
 

Ceallaigh

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The first step is having a relationship with God
and talking with God on a daily basis.
And also reading the Bible regularly to understand the nature of God and what he wants for us.

The longer we do this, the more aware we are of when God is speaking to us. Another thing which can be added to that is conferring with mature Christians to see if they think it sounds in accordance with God's will.
 
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musicalpilgrim

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Hi all,

I'm struggling to understand what is meant when people say they hear God and how we know when God is talking to/answering us.

For example, let's say I have a decision to make and I take that decision to the Lord because I want to do His will. How do I know what His answer is? Let's say I ask Him whether I should take a new job offer, how do I know He has answered? How can I really be sure that the decision I make is God's decision and not my own?
Hi, great to meet you, read your Bible and pray every day to grow in the Lord. Seek more of him in your life. Walk in the way of the Lord and he will guide you. Pray for his direction and his wisdom and then step out in faith.
It is useful to read books by the saints of old. I follow their walk with the Lord and learn so much. Spurgeon, Andrew Murray, Derek Prince.
May the Lord bless you richly as you seek more of him in your life.
 
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Sabertooth

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For me, reading His Word, hearing it at church and in music (a great way to memorize it, btw) were all helpful to me. The Bible renews our minds! [Romans 12:1-2]
Barry McGuire: Brainwashed

Often when I prayed for direction, a clear & relevant Bible verse would pop into my head.
That is what Jesus promised in John 14:26.
Bouncing your ideas off of mature believers, as said above, is a good thing, too.
So is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

You can find out more about the BoHS at churches like these,
(Links above are locators.)
 
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Dave G.

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You begin thinking His thoughts through your heart and speaking them. It's not instant growth but it is present now. As you mature in Christ you will recognize it. Also the things of this world system become of less matter than obeying Him and storing your treasures up in heaven. One sermon can change your outlook, one day after being a Christian for several years I heard a mini sermon in a bible study ( we combined them in those days) and the pastor spoke on the various verses of being still and knowing He is God. That and later taking the time to memorize Psalm 23 changed my Christian life. I had been hearing from God for years but didn't always hear or recognize that. So when we pray for a word then be still enough to hear Him in that still small voice that can be drowned out by busyness and bustle.
 
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timf

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Knowing God's will is a very personal experience. We frequently mistake what we want as having God's endorsement.

Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

It would seem that there is provision for us to improve in our ability to discern the will of God. However, it seems to be based on our ability to resist being conformed to the world as well as being transformed by a "renewed" mind.

Php 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

We have the word of God that can supernaturally work in us

Isa 55:10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:
Isa 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

We have access to more wisdom

Jas 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

We have access to more grace

Jas 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
 
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Gregory Thompson

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Hi all,

I'm struggling to understand what is meant when people say they hear God and how we know when God is talking to/answering us.

For example, let's say I have a decision to make and I take that decision to the Lord because I want to do His will. How do I know what His answer is? Let's say I ask Him whether I should take a new job offer, how do I know He has answered? How can I really be sure that the decision I make is God's decision and not my own?
Romans Chapter 12 gives a good place to start. It begins saying to be transformed by the renewing of your mind so we can know what God's will is.

It continues with some good examples.

Prayer is a foundational discipline for this, the transformation is spiritual, God gradually transforms you daily as you trust him.
 
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tdidymas

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Hi all,

I'm struggling to understand what is meant when people say they hear God and how we know when God is talking to/answering us.

For example, let's say I have a decision to make and I take that decision to the Lord because I want to do His will. How do I know what His answer is? Let's say I ask Him whether I should take a new job offer, how do I know He has answered? How can I really be sure that the decision I make is God's decision and not my own?
God's will is for you to love others (of the God-kind of love).

With that said, you first have to assume that God loves you. It's fundamental to the Christian faith.

Further, it's God's will to work, since the Bible commands us to do so. "Let him who steals steal no longer, but let him work with his hands so that he will have enough to share with others." (Sharing is a form of love for others.)

So, when it's time to take a job, take it, even if there has to be some research, dialog, and waiting involved, and even if it becomes temporary while you're waiting for your career-job opportunity. You have to assume that the choice you make is the best one, if you see it as the best one. God can use anything you do as His will, since it declares that He causes "all things to work together for the good of those who love Him."

But if you're looking for a sign from heaven on every choice you make, you'll not accomplish anything. God expects us to do some due diligence in major decisions like taking up an agreement with an employer. We can't be lazy about it. People all too often get to hate their job because they failed to research into just what kind of a job it was. That's part of life and growing in wisdom.

God can speak to us in many ways, through: the scripture, other people, our conscience, and circumstances.
 
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Dave G.

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Thanks for the replies, they have all helped. It's funny because James 1:5 seems to be popping up everywhere these past few days.
Well I suggest you "listen" to that verse PT ! Then follow through in doing it. That could very well be God speaking to you. And wow can you grow from there.
 
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1watchman

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Hi all,

I'm struggling to understand what is meant when people say they hear God and how we know when God is talking to/answering us.

For example, let's say I have a decision to make and I take that decision to the Lord because I want to do His will. How do I know what His answer is? Let's say I ask Him whether I should take a new job offer, how do I know He has answered? How can I really be sure that the decision I make is God's decision and not my own?

I have found that in my conversation with God, that when I face a dilemma I speak to the Lord Jesus about it; and speak of my difficulty in knowing what or how to deal with it. I pray for His leading and help to know --opening the way or closing it; and then if I must soon proceed, I talk more with the Lord and walk prayerfully forward as feel convicted, and keep asking Him to close the door if it is a poor or wrong thing. It has proved a good way to deal with uncertainties. I confess to God that I do not want to dishonor Him or otherwise make a poor choice on the matter. It seems to help make my path more clear. Occasionally, though I am forced to stop and turn away; and I thank God for His help. I like walking with the Lord Jesus!
 
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ViaCrucis

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Hi all,

I'm struggling to understand what is meant when people say they hear God and how we know when God is talking to/answering us.

For example, let's say I have a decision to make and I take that decision to the Lord because I want to do His will. How do I know what His answer is? Let's say I ask Him whether I should take a new job offer, how do I know He has answered? How can I really be sure that the decision I make is God's decision and not my own?

Speaking only for myself, when people tell me they personally heard God tell them to make a very specific decision I, frankly, just don't believe them. That isn't to say that I don't believe that they believe God spoke to them, but it is an immensely dangerous thing to entertain the idea that God is going to personally give us life advice.

There is nothing in Scripture that would suggest that God is in the business of telling us what careers to choose, or what jobs to do, or any number of both minor and major life decisions. Instead, the Scriptures speak of the importance of the use of our own conscience and the freedom of that conscience. We have the freedom of conscience to choose what we eat, drink, and how we--in general--live our lives. God's commandment is that we love one another, Jesus has told us to "do unto others as you would have them do unto you". Paul writes that the whole of God's Law is summed up in the statement: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

We don't need God to personally tell us what to eat, or what to drink, or what movies to watch, or what sports teams to root for, or what career path we take. Instead, God invites us to do all things in the freedom of our conscience, and to the glory of God. How do we glorify God in these things? By not judging one another, by not condemning each other, by loving one another. One person wants to go to medical school, another wants to go into engineering, still another wants to cook, and still another wants to volunteer. In whatever we do, let us bring whatever gifts we have to live out our vocations in life as servants of one another, as disciples of Jesus Christ, loving others.

All that is necessary for us to live as Christians here in the world has already been given. Christ has called His Church to be His people of Word and Sacrament. So the Church proclaims and preaches God's word, we are nourished and sustained in the Sacraments. We are called to lives of faith and love.

What is God's will for you? You don't need to try and divine God's hidden will; God's will is already plainly and publicly demonstrated: God's will for you is that you trust in Christ and that you love your neighbor as yourself.

If you want to hear the Holy Spirit, don't look to inside of yourself; look outside of yourself to what is written in the Scriptures, to what God has already given us, look to and remember your baptism, look to Christ giving Himself to you in the Lord's Supper--He says it is His own body and blood, for you. That is the Holy Spirit working, making you alive, giving you life, sustaining you, healing you, saving you.

Those who speak of the Spirit aside of God's external Word and Sacraments do not speak or act of the Spirit, but of the flesh. The carnal, natural man desires the things of the flesh and glory. The Holy Spirit does not point us to anywhere and anything other than this: Jesus Christ as given to us in Word and Sacrament.

Therefore do not place your trust in anything or anywhere else. But only in Jesus Christ who gives Himself to you in Word and Sacrament.

-CryptoLutheran
 
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splish- splash

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If you just trust that God is leading, you will get to where He wants you to get to. E.g if you were looking for a job and ended up getting 2 job offers at the same time, trust that God will shepherd you into choosing the right one and He will. The offer you will end up turning down, won't be for you for sure, just as long as you're trusting God with your decision. God will never leave you to your own strength, if you put your trust in Him.
 
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Sabertooth

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If you just trust that God is leading, you will get to where He wants you to get to. E.g if you were looking for a job and ended up getting 2 job offers at the same time, trust that God will shepherd you into choosing the right one and He will. The offer you will end up turning down, won't be for you for sure, just as long as you're trusting God with your decision. God will never leave you to your own strength, if you put your trust in Him.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV
 
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Hi all,

I'm struggling to understand what is meant when people say they hear God and how we know when God is talking to/answering us.

For example, let's say I have a decision to make and I take that decision to the Lord because I want to do His will. How do I know what His answer is? Let's say I ask Him whether I should take a new job offer, how do I know He has answered? How can I really be sure that the decision I make is God's decision and not my own?

This is a terrific question. It took me time to truly understand this and I am still on a journey of learning more about how I heard God. You hear God through a voice in your head (that is usually in your voice) and you also have peace in your heart about the decision you are making. When you feel like there is some unrest, than it is probably not what God wants you to be doing. Also, God speaks to you through Scripture and prayer. The more time you spend with God the clearer things become. Here is an article you might find helpful. I pray God will be you clarity and understanding about your upcoming decisions. Hugs and God Bless
 
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Brenda Blakely

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Hi all,

I'm struggling to understand what is meant when people say they hear God and how we know when God is talking to/answering us.

For example, let's say I have a decision to make and I take that decision to the Lord because I want to do His will. How do I know what His answer is? Let's say I ask Him whether I should take a new job offer, how do I know He has answered? How can I really be sure that the decision I make is God's decision and not my own?
Dear Purplethistles,

I believe it is pleasing to the Father for you to want to know Him more intimately and to seek His will and His Way. For me my understanding came with the verse John 10:27. It says, “I know my sheep and my sheep know my voice.” This comes with the first act of entering the sheep gate and allowing the shepherd to care for you in every way. Sheep need a shepherd and they know it. Our great shepherd, Jesus, cares for us when we trust and obey as the sheep of His pasture. Keep listening, keep studying His word, worshiping and praising, sit at His table and dine, then one day you will realize; I know the Father and He knows me. You will find yourself in unity and the realization that you can know and understand His will. I am praying for you as you walk in this exciting journey. God bless you.
 
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aiki

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Hi all,

I'm struggling to understand what is meant when people say they hear God and how we know when God is talking to/answering us.

For example, let's say I have a decision to make and I take that decision to the Lord because I want to do His will. How do I know what His answer is? Let's say I ask Him whether I should take a new job offer, how do I know He has answered? How can I really be sure that the decision I make is God's decision and not my own?

Is That You, God?
 
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