Listen to Nancy’s answer recorded live on Moody Radio.
Have you ever been asked to do something that is a life changer and terrifies you? It might be to move to some place, a job change, or perhaps to change the group of friends with whom you love to hang out?
From my own personal experience, God will nudge me with thoughts or circumstances that will make me think through whether or not I need to consider a change. The most important thing for me to ask is whether or not this change would bring God the greater glory and if it would be for the benefit of others. If my intentions to do something is to do what I feel comfortable or enjoy doing, chances are I need to take a closer look at what opportunity lies ahead. If it is something that takes me out of my safe zone and seems impossible then more than likely God is up to something.
When God calls us to do the difficult, praying through the Scriptures is paramount in confirming a call. Remembering what God says in the Bible can give us the courage to consider change.
“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” (Joshua 1:9).
“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).
Do not shy away from asking God for direction. Praying for the Holy Spirit to guide you through this process will give you wonderful direction.
“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” (James 1:5).
“Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul” (Psalm 143:8).
God’s nature should give us great comfort. He is always Holy, good, loving, trustworthy and faithful, to name a few. God’s nature prohibits him from ever contradicting Himself, so He’ll never ask us to do something sinful. Because God is always for us, no person or thing can ever come against us.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).
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” (John 16:13).
Be cautious in the midst of your trying to figure out what the will of God is for you. I suggest that you also consult with Christian friends whom you trust to have your best interest in mind. Choose one you know will give you encouragement to do the right thing and will pray with you and for you.
Do not expect to hear actual voices from God before you make a decision. There are Christian movements that expect this to happen and often times it ends in total chaos which comes directly from Satan. God is a God of order and will speak to you through the Bible. When people tell me things like, “The Lord told me that you should do this or that”, my response to them is that God is faithful and will tell me personally through prayer and the Scriptures what He wants me to know.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6,7).