As a pastor, I continually have people bringing problems and circumstances to me for counsel. Usually, after they have taken some time to explain the situation, they will give the solution that they feel they have for the problem.
Then they look at me and say, "Is that what I am supposed to do? Do you think God gave me this answer? How can I know if I heard from God; could it be the devil trying to trick me?"
The answer here actually is quite simple: follow peace. Over the years I have discovered that God always works through love, goodness, and peace.
When my wife Loretta and I were first married, a man approached me about buying into an oil well. I was so excited. I had plans of being an oil tycoon. I read about oil. I studied about the oil industry. Only two things stood between me and the investment—money and Loretta.
Something didn't seem right deep inside, but the mental thrill of being a millionaire overpowered me. I sold my new Camaro and talked Loretta into allowing me to make this venture. In a few short months, the oil man left town with my money and I was faced with two major tasks.
First, I had to swallow my pride and ask Loretta and God to forgive me. Second, I had to buy another car because I had no transportation.
All of this could have been resolved if I would have just allowed myself to have been led by the Spirit and if I had followed peace. Instead, I tried doing things my way and ended up losing my car and a lot of money! I learned my lesson.
So the next time you are wondering if something is from God or not, ask yourself these questions: "Do I feel inner peace, and I am I being led by the Spirit?" If you can answer these questions honestly, you have your answer.
"I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh" (Gal. 5:16).
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