We have grown up believing we have a conscience, much like Jiminy Cricket. We just “give a little whistle and always let our conscience be our guide” (from Pinocchio, the movie). While I agree that we do have a conscience that helps us differentiate right from wrong, what if the Holy Spirit IS talking to us all the time and we don’t recognize it? We can often recognize the voice of the Holy Spirit when He speaks to us about the big things, such as a career move or buying a house. It has long been my belief that the Holy Spirit talks to us a lot more than we give Him credit for; perhaps, multiple times throughout the day.
Has anything similar ever happened to you:
~ You are heading out the door and think about taking a jacket but disregard the thought because it is 85 degrees outside. Later that day, a fluke storm rolls in, the temperature drops 20 degrees and you are wet and freezing.
~ You are driving and think you should exit the freeway in lieu of another, rarely traveled, route. You continue on the road you are on only to come upon a traffic accident that ties you up for hours.
~ You are seeking some item that you have lost. Finally, in desperation, you call out for God’s help. You have the thought to look in a location that is completely contrary to where the item could possibly be but when you look, it is there. Once, I kept hearing to look for something in our attic. I would NEVER have put this item in the attic but inadvertently, it was put there inside of something else.
God speaks to us in many ways. He uses His Word, the Bible. He uses other people, including pastors, friends and even strangers. God has spoken to me through songs, books and once, even a billboard with a scripture on it. Perhaps you have had dreams or visions. I believe He often speaks directly to us in our minds and hearts with those thoughts, ideas and impressions you may not otherwise have had.
“The Holy Spirit is abiding in your spirit. It is your spirit that picks up these things from the Holy Spirit and then passes them on to your mind by an inward intuition, or inward witness.” (Kenneth Hagin, How You Can Be Led by the Spirit)
As a wedding planner for almost 20 years, I always stop in the garage (I have no idea why…that is just the habit!) and pray for God to tell me anything I might need to do/take to make the day run smoother. One time, the baker’s name popped into my head immediately and I felt I should call her. Although I had talked to her earlier in the week, she had completely forgotten about the wedding. If I hadn’t have called her that moment, there would have been no wedding cake. Another time, I felt compelled to go buy umbrellas even though we were in a drought and there wasn’t rain in the radar. The sky opened up and poured as the guests were walking into the ceremony. I was able to start an umbrella relay and keep the guests dry. I could give you a number of stories about items I took with me “just in case” and needed to use them. I believe the Holy Spirit spoke to me in all of those occasions and was always glad I listened!
How do we know that God or the Holy Spirit is speaking to us?
- What you are hearing will never be contradictory to God’s word or His character. He is not going to tell you to leave your spouse for someone else or do anything illegal/immoral.
- What you are hearing doesn’t always match what you are feeling. In my case, that seems often. 🙂 I often hear things that don’t seem to make perfect sense or seem contrary to what I think I should do. However, every time I follow it, it turns out well.
- To me, the voice of the Holy Spirit is gentle and friendly. A suggestion, of sorts, encouraging me to do something. I never feel pushed, annoyed, fearful or guilty. Occasionally, the feeling gets stronger but I still never feel like it is forceful.
Here are a few verses…
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. ~ John 10:27
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go…~ Psalm 32:8
Today, I encourage you to start listening a little closer to those thoughts and ideas that seemingly pop into your head without reason. Ask God to enable you to recognize the voice of the Holy Spirit. Test what you are hearing a few times and see if it yields positive results. And…take your jacket. You might need it. : )
I would love to know your thoughts below…please comment!
Comments
{ 0 comments… add one now }