IHeartLarrytheCucumber

When we want to make an important decision in our lives, and we want to know from God if it is a good idea or bad, is it wrong to almost 'test' Him to see if it is Him talking? Now I don't mean test as in Matthew 5:5-7.

But a test just to say, 'God, if I should do this, please make this happen.' or, 'God if I shouldn't do this, please make this happen.'

Just to be sure of what He's saying.

And how do we even know that it is the voice of God if a 'test' like that is answered, and not the voice of the enemy?

And when is this kind of a test appropriate?

I know that to know God's voice to study the Bible and educate yourself and that if I get an answer contradicting the Bible then it is not of God.

But I'm talking about problems more neutral, like 'God is it in Your will for me to date this person.' Not answers that you could find right in the Bible.

I hope I wasn't all over the place with this one. I just really, really want to know what God says about a decision I'm about to make. I'm praying, but no answer. Yet.

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Mark_18

"Lord if I shall come, say the word."

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Luke 15:31 - And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
Joel 2:28 - I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.
Matthew 7:7 - Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

Psalms 126:5 - Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.

JOKE POLICE

Purposeful_Life

I don't think you were all over the place - the question you asked is very valid [and often asked by many people].

To me the approach is straight forward - but first a couple of thoughts:

IF our lives are right with God [that could be a whole post in itself but] I am talking about the following 4 things in our life:

1. The Bible - reading, studying, memorising and meditating
2. Prayer
3. Church attendance
4. Open to wise counsel

Then I believe we can make the decision on what we feel is right. God will communicate through a sense of dis-peace if we are heading in the wrong direction.

Let the peace of God be your umpire.

If you want to give specific examples then I would be more than happy eo explore this further

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Nigel

God has designed a purpose/vision/dream for us all - have you found yours?

Learn to D.R.E.A.M.

xlogic1

For guidence with "neutral" direction, I believe it is best to follow the peace in your heart. The Holy Spirit is the provider of this peace. I have found that when I'm not sure if a particular direction is of God, I will first commit it to God in prayer then begin to make moves towards that direction. If I'm going the wrong way The Holy Spirit will trouble my heart. When I back off from pursuing that direction the peace returns.

The same experience has been true with most of my Christian friends who practice being lead by the Spirit this way.
Philippians 4:6 is a good scripture to consider on this subject.

Hope this helps

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Life Is For Living