Never let anyone control your life by saying “God said” unless they are accurately and appropriately quoting Scripture – then you must pay attention.
How many times do we hear someone say, “God spoke to me! The Lord showed me! I heard from God! I’ve had a vision!”
What do you do with that? Does that mean you cannot raise a question? How would you know if it’s legitimate? Many a believer has made some foolish decisions and taken some very unwise actions based upon a dream, a vision, or a “word” from God either personally or through someone else.”
Here are some ways to determine the validity of these words.
- Does the word, the dream, or the vision contradict Scripture? The Word of God takes priority.
- Does the person who gave me the word expect me to obey it? Are they insistent that I do as they instructed? This is not Scriptural. If God wants me to do something, He will clearly speak to me FIRST and the “word” will simply be a confirmation. Also: Be very careful when a “word from God” makes you feel good. It means pride has arrived.
- Who is the person speaking this word? Do they have credibility? If someone who is over me in the Lord gives me instruction, I will prayerfully obey (if it is a confirmation) because of their position over me. However, if I do not have a witness in my spirit that the instruction is from God, I will ask for clarification. If it conflicts with my inner leading and my conscience I will refuse.
- I must pray about this word. If a godly person gives you direction from the Lord, they will not be upset if you choose to pray about it for a few days. Consult your pastors. Talk to God about it. The end result should always be peace and joy. Then we know God has spoken.Never let anyone control your life by saying “God said” unless they are accurately and appropriately quoting Scripture – then you must pay attention. The Word takes precedence. I should add if you are being rebuked or corrected for sinful behavior, you are wise to obey lest you bring judgment upon yourself.
- Look for confirmations. Check the Word. Pray about it. Counsel with wiser older believers. Remember just because you had a dream or nightmare does not mean God is speaking – it could be the pizza.
God does speak to people today. With caution and care, we can listen for His voice expectantly.
MEDITATE
Do you verify if God really spoke to you in your dream, a vision, or through someone else? Or are you more prone to act based on what you’ve seen or heard? Which among the ways mentioned should you do more to know if that is really God’s word for your life now?
STUDY
1 John 4:1, 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.
Reading Plan: Numbers 2-8
PRAY
Heavenly Father, I know that you speak to me, and you bring others to my path so you could speak to me. Help me to confirm the word I have received to be truly yours.
LIVE
Treat every “word” or revelation with caution and care. Always seek for confirmation for the word you have received. God still speaks – so listen for his voice expectantly! #Word #Truth