How do I know I heard from God?

In 1 Sam. 3:1-10 the little boy Samuel lying in the Lord’s house and the Lord calls him. Samuel, believing that it is his mentor, Eli, runs to Eli and asks what Eli needs. Eli sends the little boy Samuel away because he has not called him. Samuel goes back to lying down. Again, God calls Samuel and Samuel again runs to Eli. Eli sends him back to bed again. When the Lord calls Samuel and Samuel runs to Eli a third time, Eli realizes that perhaps the Lord is calling Samuel. Eli instructs Samuel to say, “Speak, for Your servant is listening” (1 Sam. 3:9). When the Lord calls again, Samuel is ready. Samuel says, "Speak, for Your servant is listening" (1 Sam. 3:10). Samuel begins a mighty calling as a prophet because he learned to recognize the voice of the Lord.

We can draw two conclusions from this passage. The first is that the Lord’s voice may initially sound like a godly mentor or discipler. The Lord will speak in a way that might be very familiar to you--so familiar that you believe you actually hear you mentor talking. A good, faithful word from the Lord delivered in the voice of your mentor should be carefully considered and prayed over.

The second is that the Lord is consistent and persistent. Samuel mistook the Lord’s voice for Eli’s voice three times. The Lord called Samuel a fourth time before Samuel submitted himself to the Lord. Samuel needed his mentor to help him understand that it was the Lord’s voice he heard. We serve a God who loved us and saved us while we were yet sinners (Rom. 5:8). He does not give up on us quickly or easily. While the Lord is a gentleman and does not force His way on us, He consistently and persistently calls for us (Rom. 11:29).

Is there a call or burden that consistently returns to your life, mind, or heart? Submit that consistent, persistent call to the Lord. What is He bringing to your attention?

**Tell Capstone about a call on your life. Leave a ONE WORD comment about a time you heard from the Lord below.**

Finally, you know you hear from the Lord because it is confirmed in scripture, confirmed by God’s character, confirmed by the fruit it produces, and confirmed by testimony or godly, wise counsel. Pastor Parkey completed a sermon series on hearing from the Lord. Listen to that sermon series and consider what Pastor Parkey teaches at this link  https://capstone.church/media/series/n6wz6fp/the-leading-of-the-spirit.

Review the tree you made at Connect Group and pray. Ask the Lord, “Jesus, what do you have for me in this study?” If you do not have a Connect Group, email or call the church office to get connected in a home group.

M. Stephanie Williams