5 Tests for God's Whispers

I am enjoying a little book by pastor Bill Hybels¹ on hearing God.

Not every impression has God as its source. Pastor Hybels has five tests to determine whether an impression is, truly, from God or somewhere else.

Test #1 - Is it consistent with God's character? In Christ God's prophetic words always Build up, Cheer up; and Stir up². Even God's discipline in Christ is encouraging - this is how he works. Nothing discouraging is from Him nor for His people.

Test #2 - Is it scriptural? The Bible is God's revealed and inspired word, He would not give another word contradicting it.

Test #3 - Is it wise? God is the very creator of wisdom, he would never ask his children to do something stupid.

Test #4 - Is it in tune with your own character? God's whispers to each of us align with our unique character and internal makeup. Our personalities are our own unique expression of Christ. His whispers will resonate within.

Test #5 - What do people you most trust think about it? Take time to develop trusted friends and counselors in Christ.

- fritz

^{1 - -The Power of a Whisper, Bill Hybels, published 2010 by Zondervan
2 - Spiritual Gift of Prophesy}

Hearing from God - Feel the Burn

[T]he bush burned ... and ... was not consumed. And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.

And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him - Exodus 1:2b-4a

Moses heard from God like we do, today. Events are different but the process is the same - Moses noticed something unusual (the burning bush), he turned aside to see, then God spoke.

This is how we, too, hear from God. Reading the Bible, hearing a word from a friend, pastor, or co-worker, even sometimes a thought from "out of the blue" - something "lights up" though we may not even know why.

That's the time to stop and investigate. It doesn't always happen at a convenient time or place, but when we pause, then and there to wait and listen, God speaks.

- fritz