5 Ways To Know If It’s a Calling From God
We all have moments where we wonder if something is from God or not, especially as we move into the new year. But how can you know? It can be difficult and overwhelming to decipher between what is from Him, and what is just our own thoughts or desires or even from the enemy. How do you really know if it’s a calling from God?
The Bible provides a great foundation for understanding how to know if something is from God. As Christian women, it’s important to know how to discern between the enemy’s schemes, our own desires, and God’s true purpose for us.
Here are some tips on how to tell if that calling is from God or not.
Start With Prayer
The best place to start when determining if a calling is from God or not is in prayer. Prayer helps us connect with God and seek His will for our lives. The Bible tells us that when we pray in alignment with His will, He will hear us (1 John 5:14).
Ask God what He wants you to do, and then wait patiently for an answer. This answer may come through a scripture passage, an intuition you have, or a feeling inside of your heart that you can’t quite explain. Once you have heard from God, be sure to continue praying for confirmation so that you can be sure what you are hearing is truly from Him!
Fast
One of the bests ways to know if it’s a calling from God is to fast. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that can help us tap into the presence and power of God. By fasting, you are showing your faith in Him and humbling yourself in knowing that He knows best. Make sure you are fasting with the purpose of discernment regarding this calling from God.
In fasting, we are saying “God I trust in You. I don’t know what’s best for me so please show me what is.” Fasting can give us clarity and insight into what God has for our lives. It’s a beautiful way to crave spiritual milk as Peter refers to God (2 Peter 1-3).
Seek Wise Counsel
The Bible also tells us that wisdom comes from seeking counsel from wise people who are grounded in faith (Proverbs 11:14). When trying to figure out if something is from God or not it’s important to talk with someone whose opinion you trust and who has knowledge of the Bible and how it applies today.
This could be a pastor, spouse, parent, mentor, friend—anyone who can provide insight into your situation without bias. They may help point out any potential pitfalls or areas of caution that you hadn’t considered before. So don’t hesitate to seek wisdom and advice regarding a calling from God.
Test Everything Against Scripture
Another one of the best ways to determine if there is truly a calling from God is by testing it against Scripture (Acts 17:11). Does this decision align with biblical principles? Will it bring glory to His name? Is there any evidence in the Bible that suggests this isn’t His will?
These are all questions we should ask ourselves as we try to determine whether something we feel tugging at our hearts is truly coming from Him. If there is doubt or hesitation after consulting Scripture, then perhaps it’s better left alone until further clarity comes about.
God will confirm it
One of the ways I know something is of God is that He will confirm it through the people I meet, sermons I hear, etc. He will give me peace and assurance that it is His direction for me. When I am uncertain or confused, He will often provide clarity in multiple ways through the people around me, my own thoughts and feelings, and even by pointing me to specific verses in Scripture.
It never fails that when I’ve been praying about something, I will suddenly hear a talk about it, someone will text me about it, etc. without me mentioning this area of concern to anyone. It’s like God is saying, “See? I told you so!” He will speak as long as we are open to hearing. There will always be a way to know if it’s a calling from God.
God ultimately wants us to be in harmony with His plan for our lives and when something is from Him, it will bear witness to that truth. So don’t be afraid to ask Him for guidance and confirmation. He will never steer you wrong. Even if it feels challenging. Even if it means giving up something physically, financially, etc. His plan is always the best, most fulfilling option. So take time to seek Him and trust in His perfect will for you!
Discernment isn’t always easy but these tips should help guide you as you look for signs as to whether something is a calling from God or not. At the end of the day remember that He knows what’s best for us even when we don’t understand why certain things happen! So take time each day to listen carefully for His voice and ask Him questions as they arise—He always wants us to turn towards Him instead of away!
