How can I know when God is telling me to do something?

Answer

Pray, especially when you are uncertain about God’s will for your life. “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” «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. », (James 1:5). “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him” «Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: Fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. », (Psalm 37:7). If you are unsure what to pray, you can always personalize and pray verses such as, “Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul” «Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; For in thee do I trust: Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; For I lift up my soul unto thee. », (Psalm 143:8) and, “Guide me in Your truth and teach me” «Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: For thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. », (Psalm 25:5).

The primary way God commands us is through His Word. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” «All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: », (2 Timothy 3:16). If Scripture commands something of us, there is no need to hesitate and wonder if it is truly God’s will.

For us. He cares so much about us that He already gave a plain and clear guidebook to life – the Bible. “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” «Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And a light unto my path. », (Psalm 119:105). “The Law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple” «The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. », (Psalm 19:7). “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to Your Word” «Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word. », (Psalm 119:9). Likewise, God never contradicts Himself, so He’ll never ask you to do something contradictory to Scripture. He will never ask you to sin. He will never ask you to do something Jesus Christ wouldn’t do. We need to immerse ourselves in the Bible, so we will know which actions meet God’s standards. “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth: meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything that is written in it” «This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. », (Joshua 1:8).

Christians also have the Holy Spirit to discern what is, or is not, God’s will for our lives. “The Spirit of truth . . . will guide you into all truth” «Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself;”But whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.” (John 16:13). Sometimes the Holy Spirit will either agitate our conscience if we’re making a wrong decision, or He will pacify and encourage us when we’re leaning toward the right decision. Even if He doesn’t intervene in such noticeable ways, we can have confidence that He’s always in charge. Sometimes God will alter a situation without us even realizing He has acted. “The Lord will guide you always” “and the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.”, (Isaiah 58:11).

If God is calling you to take a leap of faith, be encouraged by His presence. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”, (Joshua 1:9). And remember, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” “casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”, (1 Peter 5:7). “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

What we are not to do is expect to hear voices from God. There is a dangerous trend today where people seek to hear a “word from the Lord,” extraneous to what He has already given.In the Bible, the phrase “The Lord told me . . .” is commonly used in experience-driven Christianity. Regrettably, what one person claims to hear from Him often conflicts with another person’s message. These non-scriptural revelations have led to significant divisions, causing turmoil within churches as individuals prioritize their personal experiences. This chaos only benefits Satan, who thrives on creating discord among believers. It is essential to follow the example of the apostle Peter in handling such situations. Despite witnessing the miraculous event on the Mount of Transfiguration where he saw the glorified Christ conversing with Moses and Elijah, Peter chose not to rely solely on that experience. Instead, he emphasized the importance of adhering to the prophetic word as a guiding light in dark times, until the day breaks and the morning star shines in our hearts (2 Peter 1:18-19; NKJV).