Discerning God's Spirit From Other Things

Excerpt from: Direction -- Is Your God Too Small? Essentials for Extraordinary Living, Part 3, by Pastor John C. Martin, Sermon date: 12/11/05.

For some people, following God's direction is a tougher thing … a kind of “out there” thing.

I always get asked this question: How do you know if it is God speaking to you?

You roll it back to the bear essence of it, and it is very simply that if you’re sensing in your heart that you need to do something and it’s a good thing to do, and its something that’s appropriate, then take a step of faith. And, you know, if God really doesn’t want you to do that, he’ll shut the door on that. He’ll make that very clear. But if it’s a good thing to reach out and touch someone else’s life and you’re thinking, you know, how do I do this, what’s the best thing…just start, just start going. I have found in my life that the best thing that I can do is start walking. God directs me better when I’m walking, than when I’m standing still. Now there is a moment to bow you head before the Lord and come to an alter, to make an alter some place at home, you know, as you’re saying Lord, you’re crying out to God, what do I do about this. But there’s also another moment that says, you know, as the Lord starts to prompt you, start moving. It’s easier to direct a moving object than it is something that’s stagnant. So start moving, start moving the direction that you think God is leading you in. And if you’re off a little bit, the Lord will direct you (while you are moving in) that way, because he has your best interests at heart. Some of us get so wrapped up in being afraid we’re going to do the wrong thing, that we don’t do anything. Don’t go down that road. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you and direct you and if there’s some important things that need to take place there, well then Godly counsel and studying the word of God can also help.

As you follow God’s direction, sometimes he only lights the path immediately in front of you. God doesn’t always give us the whole map…There’s a point where we need to take a step of faith. We need to be willing to step out, man, wherever God is leading us. As we take steps, all of a sudden, God starts lighting the way.

We always must come back to #1. Everything that’s said and done needs to be measured against the word of God.

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