Wednesday

If You Suspect God Is Calling You -- 7 Ways to Know (Part 1)

It’s undeniable—that gentle (or not-so-gentle) tug on your heart. You think God might be calling you to do something, but you’re not sure. How can you be certain it’s really God calling you and not one of your own crazy ideas?

It’s a mysterious thing, this faith life. It doesn’t come with specific instructions, yet believers down through the ages have followed God with confidence and faith. Unlike Food Network’s step-by-step instructions for how to make lasagna, God’s direction is usually a little less straightforward.

The Bible does, however, provide classic examples of how God reveals his will to his followers. We can learn from the historic exchanges on the pages of Scripture and apply the principles to our own lives. Because of this, we can obey God with the same faith and confidence that guided the biblical heroes of the faith.

Moses’ historic “Burning Bush” experience of Exodus 3 and 4 is a great example of how God reveals his will to his people. And while most of us are unlikely to have a literal burning bush appear in front of us, if we take the pyrotechnic element out of the picture, we can still find much guidance from Moses’ encounter with God.

Here are seven signs of God’s direction, four today, and three in the next post:



1. God will get your attention in a significant way. 

He used a burning bush to catch Moses’ eye, but he may get yours in an equally noteworthy but less flammable way. Maybe you attend a concert and the artist shares a story about sex trafficking. The statistics shock you, and you’ve thought of little else since. Maybe you read an article about how local schools are struggling to find readers for their at risk students, and you’re wondering if you’re supposed to volunteer. Or maybe you’ve noticed your pastor’s wife seems overwhelmed and discouraged, and you feel moved to help. Whatever method God uses, he will get your attention.

2. God will often repeat himself. 

In Moses’ case, God repeated himself by calling Moses' name twice from the bush. Your call probably won’t be audible, but the sense that God is speaking to you will usually return again and again. I’ve heard it said that being convicted by the Holy Spirit is like being nibbled to death by a duck, and I agree—it’s relentless.

When my husband and I began to sense God was calling us to take a family mission trip, the idea just wouldn’t go away. Shortly after we began talking about it, we received a letter from missionary friends in Mexico describing how one of their supporting families had just spent a week ministering with them. The experience was so positive that they wanted to invite other families to come.

A final repeating nudge came when my husband shared what we were thinking with another family, and they said they’d had a similar sense that God was calling them to do a short-term mission trip. I’m thankful God repeated his call several times in several ways, or we might have missed the opportunity for a life-changing mission experience.

3. God will assure you of his presence. 

When God called Moses to go to Egypt and announce himself as God’s appointed deliverer, Moses balked.

“Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" he asked.

“I will certainly be with you,” God said.

It's been my experience that when God calls us, he also reassures us that he will go with us. This confirmation can come in different ways. You might read a verse of Scripture that speaks perfectly into our situation. Or hear a word of promise in a Christian song, or read a Bible verse on a billboard or a bumper sticker. Your pastor may preach a message that has nothing to do with what you’re sensing, yet one of the verses will shine like a spotlight in your heart. However he chooses to do it, God will give you confidence that he will walk with you every step of the way as you obey his calling.


4. God will give you the first step.

As you seek God’s face and try to discern his will, God will reveal Step 1. For Moses, it was, “So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt" (v. 10). God later laid out a series of steps for Moses to follow, but he seldom does this for us. I suspect if he did, we’d be too scared to take the first step. Instead, he usually shows us the first thing he wants us to do. Then, as we obey, he reveals the next one, and the next one, and the next one.

When I first sensed the Lord calling me to write professionally, I had no idea how to go about it. Then I received an email from a writer friend telling me about a new Christian writers group. I attended the inaugural meeting, which set into motion a series of steps that led to the publication of my first devotional book, Joy in the Journey. God didn’t show me every step that first day, but as I obeyed what he told me to do, he gave me direction for the next step.

These are four of the seven signs God is calling you. Click HERE to read the final three.

Now it's your turn. Have you ever sensed God's calling? How did you know it was really His voice? Leave a comment below and share your story.




Does Your Faith Need Refreshing?

That's in the Bible? I've never noticed that before!

It's probably been too long since you've newly discovered a story that speaks to your soul or a verse that pops with truth. But that's about to change!



Refresh Your Faith contains 66 culturally relevant, story-driven devotions, one from each book of the Bible. Each real-life story spotlights an unusual verse or Bible passage that you may have overlooked in your usual Bible reading. Lori Hatcher challenges you with additional features like an uncommon thought to ponder; an unusual faith action step; and an unfamiliar passage suggestion for additional Bible reading.

When the fabulous has become familiar and your quiet times are more like nap times, it's time to step out of spiritual boredom and ignite the spark that will keep you growing. No matter where you are on your faith journey, Lori's conversational and engaging style will challenge you to think about things you've never thought about before.

“Real-life inspiration and candid wit. These 5-minute devotions will change your life.” —Psychologist and best-selling author Dr. Kevin Leman, commenting on Lori Hatcher's devotional style




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38 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  2. thank you writer. good effort. yet from experience this barely scratches the surface. Gods call signs are multifaceted. doesnt usually follow a pattern. its individualized. voice of God called samuel twice with him not knowing it was God. if not for Eli, he samuel would have missed that call. and it is a deep thing to refuse Gods call even in ignorance. consequences are staggering. when God deals with us humans he treats us as very experienced adults though we may be toddlers in human years on earth! why. He looks at the soul not the body encasing the soul. Gods call is intensely and eminently personal. i am still looking into this subject--continually

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    1. this is very true sir a very measured and revealing comment..

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    2. I am unknown person some would call me cursed others blessed but all pity me yet I'm not to be cursed nor pitied cause God put in me something unexplainable something unique and not of this Earth as himself. I am unable to explain exactly as is my own experience. I can say it is profound it is repetitive it is known in your time chosen.

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    3. Unknown.....you are dead on. It's very personal.

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  3. I love this. That's was really helpful. But me, I got a revelation of what God wants me to do but I keep doubting it. I'm confused already

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    1. God is not the author of confusion. Start moving towards that revelation. If it's truly not what God wanted you to do it's not going to work out and you will not live with regrets wondering if it would have. It is easier to steer the boat once you push off shore.

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    2. You're absolutely right. I've often heard it said, "God can't guide your feet if you're not walking." :) Blessings to you!

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  4. It's the truth in your writing. I think I am being called. Perhaps a technical one. Thank you for light.

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  5. I get a warm feeling in my belly that spreads through the rest of me and I then feel total calm. It's a wonderful experience .this happens every time I read the bible or think about god. What does this mean

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    1. Good morning...
      I also do experience this almost everyday, but I feel the warmth under my feet. For me whenever I feel that, it's either the spirit of God wants to communicate something to me, or prompting me to pray, I might not have a prayer points but as soon as I start praying he will put the words in my mouth to pray about. All I can say is that, it all boils down to your personal relationship with him ..try to build a much more firm relationship with him, like talking to him as you do with your earthly friends and you'll enjoy your walk with him.

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    2. Good morning...
      I also do experience this almost everyday, but I feel the warmth under my feet. For me whenever I feel that, it's either the spirit of God wants to communicate something to me, or prompting me to pray, I might not have a prayer points but as soon as I start praying he will put the words in my mouth to pray about. All I can say is that, it all boils down to your personal relationship with him ..try to build a much more firm relationship with him, like talking to him as you do with your earthly friends and you'll enjoy your walk with him.

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  6. Sometimes I'd be at home and think about God and what he has done and what he will do in the future, tears come to my eyes. It's something that I've been struggling with for a long time. My mom said tears are a language only God understands. But I myself don't even understand why I
    Cry out of the blue... it's weird. 😅And I dont go around telling people either. The truth is I dont want to be left behind and I'm scared and confused.

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    1. Dont worry dear friend
      You have company

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    2. This EXACT same thing is happening to me. It just started a little bit ago. It's very strange for me, being a 46 yr old male, recently retired from Navy..its a very strong calling and I can't ignore it..I feel it is real and not my imagination.

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    3. I feel you just narrated my ordeal,my is worst I pore out tears whenever I jus heard worship songs, whenever I come across someone in deep suffering, whenever I heard the word of God, whenever i watch gospel movies,to be is I have stop going to church because I'm tired of shedding tears in every slight I front of crowd,this is so embarrassing for me so i stop going,please can someone tell me what is happening to me

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    4. Anonymous10:26 PM

      That is exactly what is happening with my life, in addition I get people who don't know me tell me I have a calling to serve God, this is an ongoing thing. I wish I can get help and know what I have to do.

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    5. Anonymous5:13 PM

      To the one who stopped going to church, please don’t stop going to church. Your crying is the warmth of the spirit of God enveloping you. Its the presence of God. Its a beautiful experience, enjoy it and stay close to God regularly by reading your bible and praying every day.

      To the one who does not know what to do in terms of serving God, stay close to God by praying and reading His word, the Bible, daily; and pray that God shows you what He wants you to do. He will answer that prayer.

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  7. Anonymous11:19 PM

    I wanted to say thank you Lori, this has helped me tremendously I am 25 and for the past couple of months I have been feeling lost but within these months I have been noticing that God has been calling me.. I now have spoken with friends that are Christian for more guidance on this journey.

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  8. Lawson1:35 PM

    I always dream of singing and miracle happens and being a motivation to many and what I ask God o receive it anytime I hear good worship in any church I am always overwhelmed like something in me wants to join what do I do

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    1. i think sometimes god speaks to us through dreams so yeah if you feel like singing during worship in church go and sing even if you dont have a good voice sing because at the end of the day you are not trying to please and worship the people around you you are doing it for god

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  9. Anonymous5:55 AM

    It's really helpful, thanks!
    Mine is a dream I had two years ago where I was directed to pick something but it happened to be Bibles and I took out one stretching my hands and a Church Hymnary was placed on the Bible. The dream has been so disturbing since then and I don't know what to do. I need maybe a physical encounter or an audible voice or any sign at all that will make me know that certainly I am called. I need results. Please I need an urgent reply, Ma. God bless you. This is my mail Adim.es.aa@gmail.com Thank you once again.

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  10. Help me dear lord a sinner find my way through.

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    1. Anonymous5:04 PM

      That is so touching and beautiful :)
      God bless you x

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  11. Anonymous11:50 AM

    I have a question, so when God calls we do the inevitable? We do what is convicted of us in our hearts to do? I can’t explain why I’m unable to stop pursuing God, it has become a thing for me. I am so happy in him, his word, his people.

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  12. I found God the night my husband passed. He had been in pain for many years, but in the end it was cancer. I miss him everyday. The last early morning,he went to sleep so I thought,and when he woke up, he was free of pain and fear and illness. He told me God sent him back, for me. To let me know everything was going to be okay. He knew his sister and niece believed, and he knew his wife and daughter didn't. But now I know. God and Jesus,are real. I talk to him everyday, I only wish my daughter could see it too.

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  13. Very compressive and educative. Knowledgeable enough, God has a general call for the world to come to Him for peace making. (Isaiah 1:18-20 declares so.)

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    1. Anonymous5:35 PM

      I got my revelation through fream but I am skeptical about it, I have gone to a spiritual leader to put me through, he put me through a lot of processes by praying and fasting in order to confirming the calling from God.
      I hope I will get the answer very soon.

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  14. Very time when i get a job, the same night i will see a Big bible in my dream, the voice telling me that this is where you are going to work. The following day my employer will tell me that he is still preparing for me, i should go and wait for his call. Sometimes i will see myself busy ministering in the church. God is talking to me many times

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  15. Anonymous4:25 AM

    I use to have a dream and this dream keep coming I saw my self in the millions of crowd preaching the world of God.do I have a calling.?i only preach from House to house in my church every Sunday.but is that ok or God want me to lunch it out,I need direction.

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  16. Anonymous4:32 AM

    Be blessed 🙏

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  17. Anonymous8:53 PM

    Hello, Can I access the remaining ways? 5 to 7 please. Find this helpful. Thank you.

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  18. Anonymous3:39 AM

    Sometimes ago i dreamt i was cleaning the floor of a church and the pastor was beside me preaching the gospel, another time i dreamt and saw my late dad we were in a church and when the pastor came out to share the world of God he couldn't locate his place in the church and my dad told me to go and show him but i refused

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  19. Anonymous12:43 AM

    Hi I feel that God is calling me to teach his word. Bible study is always on my mind, I Study everyday. This desire to learn God's lays strongly on my heart. Is this a calling?

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  20. Anonymous1:46 PM

    My desire is to know God will, but I been trying I don’t understand the Bible when I read it. Please pray for me to understand his words. God bless you.

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  21. Anonymous8:20 AM

    I am just confused..
    Sometimes and most often ,my major desire is to know God and his agenda beyond this current level..
    I sense God's calling everyday but I don't really know what he is talking about.
    My heart is usually at unrest ...
    I feel like I am empty all the time and i just want more of understandings.
    I love God genuinely in my heart but don't know if this is a sign of calling..
    I am just confused and not satisfied with the things around me

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  22. Anonymous8:21 AM

    I am hungry for the knowledge of God's will

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  23. Anonymous10:20 PM

    I heard from GOD 2 times Audibly ....He called me his daughter and send powers to me......I always feel overwhelmed and find myself struggling to be who I was bfor.......I feel depressed everyday, very depressed dat so many thoughts comes to me.......y do I struggle so much, at some point I felt tired

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