Has anyone ever tried to give you advice from God?
We all need people in our lives to encourage us with Scripture and build us up in our faith. Yet, we need to be cautious when receiving advice from others who proceed their sentence with “God told me to tell you….”
Especially when we are seeking counsel or direction in an area that seems unclear.
Here is a litmus test when you want to know if advice is really from God or from someone who just means well. When you sense God is speaking to you through someone else, you must ask yourself these four questions:
1. Does the advice contradict anything in God’s Word? Someone who says “God just wants you to be happy right now” or “God helps those who help themselves” is not quoting Scripture, but speaking out of sentiment. Search God’s Word and you’ll find He talks more of our suffering for eternal good, than wanting to make us happy. He also helps those who admit they can’t help themselves. Check the advice against Scripture.
2. Does the advice bring peace to your heart and mind? God’s instructions are not going to bring anxiety or fear, but an assurance that He is with you every step of the way. However, feeling peaceful about something doesn’t necessarily indicate the advice is from God, either. Sometimes we want something so badly we are convinced we’ll be at peace if we make a certain decision. But God’s peace is an assurance, in spite of the odds, and before you actually see where you’re heading.
3. Is the advice within the nature of God? God will not tell you to marry someone if that person is already married. Nor will He tell you to date or marry an unbeliever (Scripture says we are not to be bound together with unbelievers — 2 Corinthians 6:14). God also will not suggest anything that causes you to break a promise or act in a way that doesn’t reflect the fruits of the spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control (Gal. 5:22-23). Would Jesus do the same thing you’re being advised to do?
4. Can the advice be affirmed by godly people? In Matthew 18:19, Jesus said: “where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” It is His confirmation that in instances of judgment, He works within the frame work of two or three witnesses. But I have seen God confirm things two or three times when it comes to godly advice as well. The key here…don’t rush in. Wait and give God a chance to confirm something to you through others.
Does this help when it comes to knowing whether or not something is from God? Let me know…
This does help! I have been waiting,praying through my physical illness and physical pain for any bit of direction or word of knowledge. I woke up hearing the word over and over and the word was “Ketosis”. I have never heard the word before. I immediately started to look into it,the Ketogenic diet,the word Ketosis is a state of which the body is in. Maybe my body? Then at work a week later I saw the doctors show talking about Ketosis,the difficult diet and how castor bean oil is helping. I am willing to tune in and listen deeply for my healing. I know God is aware and speaks. Thank you for the encouraging post.
Thanks for sharing that, Courtney. Yes, the “ketogenic diet” is quite the buzz lately. I encourage you to talk to your primary care physician about it, as well, and add that to your list of “confirmations” if it goes in that direction. Yours is a great example of a concern that is not spelled out in Scripture, yet we want God’s leading. I will be praying for clarity for you as you seek God’s healing and direction.
Oh My God! This happened this morning “Wait and give God a chance to confirm something to you through others.” A friend just confrimed something, I am not going to rush, I am waiting!
Thank you for reading and for your comment, Noku. God is never one to rush, so we are wise to not rush in as well. Blessings to you as you wait upon Him.
Cindi, I cannot tell you how valuable this is!!! Thank you!!!
You’re welcome, Chery. Thank you for keeping up with my blogs. 🙂