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When Enough Never Feels Like Enough — Contentment in a Culture of Comparison — Part 2
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-u6883-1b818b2
Have you ever finally received something you really wanted, only to find yourself wanting the next thing soon afterwards?
In Part 2 of Contentment in a Culture of Comparison, we explore why “enough” can be so difficult to recognize in a culture constantly encouraging us to upgrade, achieve and accumulate.
We’ll look at the subtle difference between healthy desires and discontentment, Jesus’ warning about greed, and what Paul meant when he said he had learned to be content whether he had little or plenty.
Because if enough is always somewhere ahead of us, we will spend our lives chasing it.
Join me as we ask a simple but revealing question: What am I expecting “more” to give me that perhaps only God can provide?
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When Enough Never Feels Like Enough
Contentment in a Culture of Comparison — Part 2
Have you ever finally received something you really wanted…
only to discover that, not very long afterwards, you wanted something else?
Perhaps you saved for the new car.
You renovated the kitchen.
You got the promotion.
You moved into the better house.
You upgraded the phone.
You reached the financial goal.
And for a while, it felt wonderful.
But then something happened.
The new became normal.
And another something appeared on the horizon.
[Pause and think about that for a moment.]
There is nothing necessarily wrong with any of those things.
But there is something worth paying attention to when our hearts continually whisper:
I’ll be satisfied when…
Because if enough is always somewhere ahead of us, we will spend our lives chasing it.
This is Part 2 in the Contentment in a Culture of Comparison Series.
If you haven’t already read Part 1, I’d encourage you to go to When Comparison Steals Our Joy: How “Enough” Becomes “Not Enough” as each of these messages build on the previous one.
🎙️ Listen to the Podcast
Prefer to listen? You can enjoy a shorter version of this message on Jesus 4 Generations as a podcast.
Click the link below to listen for free on Podbean, or find Jesus 4 Generations on your favorite podcast platform, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more.
We Live in a Culture Built Around “More”
We live in an extraordinary time.
Many of us have access to comforts that previous generations could barely have imagined.
And yet we are continually being told that what we have isn’t quite enough.
Our phone is perfectly functional — but there’s a newer one.
Our television works — but there’s a bigger one.
Our kitchen is fine — but someone else’s renovation looks spectacular.
Our clothes still fit — but fashions have changed.
Our car gets us where we need to go — but the new model has features ours doesn’t.
And social media has taken comparison to an entirely different level.
Once upon a time, we mostly compared ourselves with people we actually knew.
Now, before we’ve even had breakfast, we can compare our home, appearance, marriage, holidays, children, career, fitness, finances and lifestyle with hundreds of people.
And we’re usually comparing our ordinary Tuesday morning with somebody else’s carefully selected highlight.
No wonder enough can begin to feel inadequate.
There Is Nothing Wrong With Wanting to Grow
This is where we need discernment.
Contentment does not mean having no goals.
It doesn’t mean refusing opportunities.
It doesn’t mean never renovating your house, buying a better car, pursuing a promotion, travelling, saving money or building something worthwhile.
God has given us abilities, creativity and opportunities, and Scripture certainly doesn’t teach us to be lazy or irresponsible.
The issue isn’t simply:
Do I want more?
Perhaps the better questions are:
Why do I want more?
What do I believe having more will give me?
And perhaps most importantly:
Will I still be okay if God says, “Not now” — or even “No”?
That’s often where the heart reveals itself.
Greed Rarely Introduces Itself as Greed
Most of us probably don’t wake up in the morning thinking:
Today I’m going to be greedy.
Greed is usually much more respectable than that.
It can sound like:
I deserve this.
We’ve worked hard.
Everyone else has one.
It’s only a little more.
Once we get this sorted, we’ll be comfortable.
Once I earn this much, I’ll feel secure.
Once we have that house, life will be easier.
None of those statements are automatically wrong.
But they can become dangerous when more begins carrying the weight of our peace, identity or security.
Jesus told a story about a man who had accumulated an abundance.
His land produced so much that he didn’t have enough room to store everything, so he decided to tear down his barns and build bigger ones.
Then he said to himself:
And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’
Luke 12:19 (NIV)But God called him a fool.
Why?
Not because his farm was successful.
Not because planning ahead was wrong.
Not because having barns was sinful.
The problem was where he had placed his security.
He had accumulated earthly wealth but had neglected what mattered eternally.
Jesus concluded:
“This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”
Luke 12:21 (NIV)That’s confronting.
Because the issue wasn’t merely what the man possessed.
It was what possessed his heart.
More Promises Something It Cannot Deliver
Greed is insatiable because the thing we’re chasing often isn’t really the thing we’re longing for.
We think we want the bigger house.
But perhaps what we’re really craving is status.
We think we need more money.
Perhaps what we’re really craving is security.
We want the promotion.
Perhaps underneath it is a desire to feel significant.
We want people to notice what we’ve achieved.
Perhaps we’re longing to feel valued.
We want the beautiful home, successful children, perfect holiday photographs or impressive lifestyle.
Perhaps we’re hoping they will tell the world — and ourselves:
I’m doing okay.
And this is why accumulating more cannot permanently satisfy us.
We’re asking something external to meet a need that is internal.
When Desire Becomes Greed
So where is the line?
When does enjoying God’s provision become greed?
I don’t think there’s a simple dollar figure.
A person with very little can be consumed by greed, while someone with considerable wealth can be extraordinarily generous and surrendered to God.
Greed is a heart issue.
It may be worth asking ourselves:
Am I continually dissatisfied with what I have?
Do I find it difficult to celebrate when someone else receives something I want?
Am I taking on financial pressure simply to maintain an image?
Do I believe I’ll finally be happy or secure when I reach the next financial milestone?
Am I accumulating while becoming less generous?
Do I make major decisions prayerfully — or impulsively when I see something I want?
Could I hold what I own with an open hand if God asked me to?
Those aren’t questions for judging somebody else’s lifestyle.
They’re questions for examining our own hearts.
We must remember God is interested in our heart and where our true treasure is.
Scripture Gives Us Another Way
Paul wrote something remarkable from prison:
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”
Philippians 4:11 (NIV)Notice the word learned.
Paul wasn’t necessarily born content.
Contentment was something he learned.
He continued:
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”
Philippians 4:12 (NIV)Paul had experienced both.
Lack and abundance.
And neither determined his peace.
Then comes one of the most quoted verses in Scripture:
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:13 (NIV)We often use that verse when we’re attempting something difficult.
But in context, Paul is talking about learning to live faithfully with little or plenty.
Christ was his sufficiency in both.
That changes how we understand contentment.
Contentment isn’t pretending we don’t have needs.
It isn’t refusing to improve our circumstances.
And it certainly isn’t believing poverty is somehow more spiritual than having money.
Contentment is being able to say:
“Lord, whether I have little or much, my peace does not depend upon what I possess. My security is in You.”
The Goalpost That Keeps Moving
Our culture will always give us another goalpost.
Earn this much.
Own this.
Upgrade that.
Travel there.
Achieve this.
Look like that.
And when we arrive?
The goalpost moves again.
There will always be something newer.
Bigger.
Faster.
More fashionable.
More prestigious.
Someone will always have more than we do.
Which means that if our contentment depends upon finally reaching enough, we’re in trouble.
Because enough will always be one purchase, one achievement or one upgrade away.
Unless we decide otherwise.
Unless we learn to recognize the goodness already present.
Unless we stop asking possessions and achievements to tell us who we are.
Unless our hearts become anchored somewhere that doesn’t move.
And that place is Jesus.
💭 A Question Worth Asking
Perhaps there’s something you’ve been wanting lately.
There’s nothing wrong with that.
But before pursuing it, try asking God:
“Lord, why do I want this?”
Then wait.
Maybe the answer is perfectly healthy.
Perhaps you’ve prayed about it, planned wisely and God is genuinely leading you forward.
Wonderful.
But perhaps the Holy Spirit will reveal something underneath the desire.
Comparison.
Insecurity.
Pride.
Fear.
The need for approval.
Or simply the belief that more will make me happier.
If He does, don’t run from it.
Let Him show you.
Because conviction isn’t God’s way of shaming us.
It’s an invitation to freedom.
🙏 A Prayer for Freedom From “More”
Father,
Thank You for every good thing You provide.
Forgive me for the times I have allowed what I want to overshadow what You have already given me.
Show me where healthy desire has become dissatisfaction, where comparison has become envy, or where wanting more has begun to take hold of my heart.
Give me wisdom to recognize the difference between something You are leading me toward and something I am simply chasing because the world tells me I need it.
Teach me to hold possessions, achievements and opportunities with open hands.
May my security never rest in what I own, earn or accomplish.
Jesus, teach me the contentment Paul learned — to trust You whether I have little or plenty.
Let You be my enough.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
🌱 Activation: Put “More” on Pause
This week, choose one thing you currently want.
It might be something you want to buy, upgrade, achieve or change.
Don’t immediately tell yourself you can’t have it.
Instead, simply pause.
Bring it before God.
Ask:
Why do I want this?
What am I expecting it to give me?
Can I genuinely thank God for what I have while I wait?
Would I still have peace if the answer were “not now”?
Then give yourself some space before acting.
You may still decide to buy it, pursue it or work toward it.
But now you’ll be making that decision from a place of discernment rather than dissatisfaction.
And that difference matters.
From Chasing More to Recognizing Enough
There will always be more available to chase.
But we don’t have to spend our lives chasing it.
If enough is always somewhere ahead of us, we will spend our lives chasing it.
Perhaps freedom begins when we stop asking:
What else do I need?
And start asking:
What has God already given me — and am I using it well?
In Part 3 of Contentment in a Culture of Comparison, we’re going to turn our attention toward one of the most powerful antidotes to comparison and discontentment:
Gratitude.
We’ll explore how gratitude can retrain our attention — helping us stop constantly noticing what is missing and begin recognizing what God has already placed in our hands.
💛 Join the Conversation
Have you ever reached something you thought would finally make you feel satisfied, only to discover that the feeling didn’t last?
Or has God been teaching you what enough looks like in this season of your life?
I’d love you to share your thoughts in the comments. Your experience may help someone else recognize that they’re not alone in this struggle.
If this message encouraged you, please consider sharing it with someone who might need it, and subscribe so you don’t miss Part 3 of Contentment in a Culture of Comparison.
Until next time, remember:
Right now is always the best time to begin with God.
God bless.
Sandy
All Bible Sources are from the New International Version (NIV)
I use Bible Gateway when out and about, check it out: https://www.biblegateway.com
Check out Through the Word a great audio Bible guide: https://throughtheword.org
I do not receive any commissions and have no affiliate partnerships with any sources/websites/apps noted.
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When Comparison Steals Our Joy: How Enough Becomes Not Enough
Contentment in a Culture of Comparison — Part 1
Have you ever looked at someone else’s life and suddenly felt a little less satisfied with your own?
Nothing in your life actually changed. You still had the same home, the same people you loved, the same provision and the same blessings you had yesterday.
But after looking at what someone else had, somehow your enough no longer felt like enough.
I’ve been there.
And I learned the hard way that comparison doesn’t simply steal our joy. Left unchecked, it can grow into envy, feed greed and influence decisions that cost far more than we ever imagined.
I know — because I’ve made some of those decisions myself.
🎙️ Listen to the Podcast
Prefer to listen? You can enjoy a shorter version of this message on The Jesus 4 Generations Podcast.
Click the link below to listen for free on Podbean, or find The Jesus 4 Generations Podcast on your favorite podcast platform, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more.
I Had So Much to Be Thankful For
I have a good life.
Not a perfect life, but a very blessed one.
I was born in a part of the world where I have a roof over my head and food on the table. I have a loving and loyal husband. I have lived to see my children grow up, marry and have children of their own. My parents and siblings are still here, and I am grateful for the relationships we share.
I have purposeful work. I am free to worship and praise the Lord without fear. And I have access to a Bible — several, if I’m honest!
There is so much for which I can thank God.
The Lord has been very good to us.
But I haven’t always recognized just how much I had.
There was a time when comparison began to change the way I looked at my life.
When Enough Starts Looking Like Not Enough
Our children were teenagers. Two had part-time jobs. My husband and I were both working. We were paying off a comfortable three-bedroom home that we could afford, and we owned a little three-cylinder car outright.
We had good friends around us and, from the outside, life probably looked quite settled.
But we weren’t walking closely with the Lord.
And beneath the surface, our family was carrying struggles we didn’t really know how to talk about. There were pressures associated with raising teenagers, work, family life and some personal struggles within our household.
My husband and I weren’t communicating well either.
When conflict came, he would express his frustration and I would shut down. I had learned very young that the safest response to conflict was silence.
Of course, my silence didn’t solve anything. Usually, it made things worse.
Looking back, I can see that what we possessed materially was already more than enough.
What we really needed was healing, better communication, wisdom and God at the center of our family.
But instead of dealing with what was happening on the inside, we began looking outward.
We noticed what other people had.
Bigger houses. Better cars. Nicer things.
And somewhere along the way, enough began to look like not enough.
Comparison Has a Way of Moving the Goalposts
Comparison is dangerous because it can make a blessed life feel inadequate.
Instead of being grateful for what we had, we began imagining what life might feel like if we had more.
Perhaps a bigger home would give us more space and reduce the tension.
Perhaps a better car would make life easier.
Perhaps reaching that next level would give us a sense of security and accomplishment.
And, if I’m completely truthful, there was probably some pride mixed in as well.
We wanted to feel as though we had made it.
Dissatisfaction had crept in, and we allowed greed to take root.
The problem wasn’t the house.
It wasn’t the car.
There is nothing inherently wrong with owning nice things or improving our circumstances when we can genuinely afford to do so.
The problem was what we were asking those things to do for us.
We were looking to material things to provide something they were never capable of providing — peace, security, comfort, identity and contentment.
Those things ultimately come from God.
“For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.”
1 John 2:16 (NIV)So We Went Bigger
In the middle of teenage hormones, school difficulties, work pressures, family stress and too little time, we made a monumental decision.
We sold our manageable three-bedroom home and bought a much larger one.
At around the same time, we sold our little car and leased a big all-wheel-drive vehicle.
Suddenly, we had the big house and the big car.
And do you know what happened?
Nothing.
Well… nothing we had hoped would happen.
The tension didn’t disappear.
Our communication didn’t magically improve.
The pressures within our family didn’t vanish.
So we renovated.
We bought new furniture.
We made the house beautiful.
From the outside, it probably looked as though we were doing very well: a large home in a lovely area, a big car in the driveway and beautiful things inside.
But none of it brought the peace we were looking for.
What did increase was our debt.
And we discovered something about greed that Scripture had warned us about all along:
More has a way of demanding more.
Jesus said:
“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
Luke 12:15 (NIV)We had confused having more with living better.
They are not the same thing.
Eventually, the Pressure Became Too Much
The house didn’t cause our problems.
The car didn’t destroy our marriage.
And I don’t want to oversimplify what was a complicated season in our family’s life.
There were unresolved issues, poor communication, financial strain and pressures within our family that had been building for some time.
But our financial decisions added weight to a structure that was already struggling to bear the load.
Eventually, our life as we knew it came apart.
My husband and I separated.
We sold the house and the car, divided our assets and worked out arrangements for our children. Ironically, after pursuing bigger and better, we both ended up living in modest, almost matching 1940s rental homes in the same suburb.
It was humbling.
But something beautiful survived that difficult season.
We remained friends.
We began having Sunday night family dinners so our family could still regularly come together.
And those dinners became part of the rhythm of our family life.
God was not finished with our story.
Comparison Is More Dangerous Than It Looks
Looking back now, I can see how subtly it happened.
Comparison produced dissatisfaction.
Dissatisfaction weakened gratitude.
Envy whispered, Look what they have.
Pride whispered, You should have that too.
Greed whispered, Just a little more.
And eventually, what we already had, which had once been enough, no longer felt sufficient.
Scripture gives us another way:
“Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.”
Galatians 6:4–5 (NIV)Comparison steals our ability to see our own lives clearly.
It can make us overlook the blessings already sitting around our table because we’re looking at what is sitting on somebody else’s.
And if we aren’t careful, comparison can give birth to envy, envy can feed greed, and greed can influence decisions that carry consequences far beyond our bank account.
What Are We Really Hungry For?
There is a hunger within us that possessions cannot satisfy.
We long to be loved.
We long to belong.
We want security.
We want peace.
We want our lives to matter.
We want to know that we are seen, known and accepted.
No house, regardless of its size, can give us that.
No car can.
No salary, holiday, wardrobe, renovation or bank balance can satisfy the deepest longing of the human heart.
We were trying to find externally what we desperately needed internally.
And what we needed most was Jesus.
He is our peace.
The Holy Spirit is our Comforter.
Our identity is found in being children of God — not in our address, possessions or the image we present to the world.
Learning to Recognize Enough
I wish I could tell you that I learned all of this without making mistakes.
I didn’t.
Some of my lessons have been expensive.
Some have been painful.
Some affected people I love.
But failure doesn’t have to be the final chapter of our story.
God can teach us through the places where we got it wrong.
He can redeem what we thought was wasted.
And He can teach us to recognize the abundance that was there all along.
Today, I can look at my life differently.
Not because everything is perfect.
Not because we never face difficulties.
And certainly not because I never have to guard my heart against comparison.
But I understand something now that I didn’t understand then:
Contentment isn’t found when we finally have enough. Contentment begins when we recognize that, in Christ, we already have what matters most.
So perhaps the question isn’t:
What do they have that I don’t?
Perhaps a better question is:
Lord, what have You already placed in my hands that I have stopped being thankful for?
Because comparison will always show us what we’re missing.
Gratitude helps us see what God has already given us.
And sometimes, what we already have is far more precious than we realized.
🙏 A Prayer for a Contented Heart
Father,
Thank You for every good thing You have placed in my life — including the blessings I have become so accustomed to that I sometimes fail to notice them.
Forgive me for the times I have compared my life with someone else’s and allowed their possessions, opportunities or circumstances to make me dissatisfied with what You have given me.
Lord, show me where comparison, envy, pride or greed may have quietly taken root in my heart. Help me not to look to possessions, achievements or appearances for the peace, security and significance that can only truly be found in You.
Teach me to recognize enough.
Give me wisdom before I make decisions motivated by dissatisfaction. Help me to pause and ask whether I am being led by You — or simply being influenced by what I see around me.
Holy Spirit, cultivate gratitude and contentment within me. Open my eyes again to the people, provision, opportunities and simple everyday blessings You have already placed in my hands.
Most of all, keep my eyes on Jesus.
May my identity, security and peace always be found in Him.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
🌱 Activation: Rediscover What You Already Have
Sometime today, find a quiet place with God and ask Him:
“Lord, where has comparison been making me dissatisfied with something You have already given me?”
Don’t rush the answer.
Think about the areas where comparison most easily enters your life — your home, finances, career, appearance, marriage, family, holidays, possessions, ministry or even your relationship with God.
Then write down five things you already have that you are genuinely grateful for.
They don’t need to be impressive.
A person you love.
A safe place to sleep.
A meal shared around a table.
Work that has purpose.
A friend who answers the phone.
The freedom to open your Bible.
A quiet cup of coffee in the morning.Thank God for each one.
Finally, if there is something you currently feel you need to buy, achieve, upgrade or change, bring it before God before taking the next step.
Ask:
“Lord, is this something You are leading me toward — or has comparison convinced me that what I already have isn’t enough?”
Then give Him room to answer.
💬 A Final Thought
Comparison doesn’t always arrive announcing itself as envy.
Sometimes it sounds perfectly reasonable:
We deserve something nicer.
Everyone else seems to have one.
We’re working hard — why shouldn’t we?
Things would be easier if only we had…
The question isn’t whether something is nice to have.
The question is whether our desire for it is beginning to steal our gratitude for what God has already provided.
This week, let’s practice looking at our own lives again — not through the lens of what somebody else has, but through the lens of gratitude.
And in Part 2 of Contentment in a Culture of Comparison, we’ll look more closely at what happens when enough never feels like enough — and why getting more rarely satisfies the hunger for more.
💛 Join the Conversation
Has comparison ever caused you to overlook something good that was already in your life?
I’d love to hear what God has taught you about gratitude and contentment. You are welcome to share in the comments — your experience may be exactly the encouragement someone else needs today.
If this message has encouraged you, please consider sharing it with someone who may need it, and subscribe so you don’t miss the rest of the Contentment in a Culture of Comparison series.
Until next time, remember:
Right now is always the best time to begin with God.
God bless.
Sandy
All Bible Sources are from the New International Version (NIV)
I use Bible Gateway when out and about, check it out: https://www.biblegateway.com
Check out Through the Word a great audio Bible guide: https://throughtheword.org
I do not receive any commissions and have no affiliate partnerships with any sources/websites/apps noted.
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When Comparison Steals Our Joy: How “Enough” Becomes “Not Enough” | Contentment in a Culture of Comparison – Part 1
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-aibft-1b45316
Have you ever looked at a life you were once grateful for and suddenly felt that it wasn’t enough?
In Part 1 of Contentment in a Culture of Comparison, we explore how comparison can quietly steal our joy, turn gratitude into dissatisfaction, and awaken a desire for more.
Through a personal story of getting caught in the pursuit of a bigger home, a bigger car and the appearance of having “made it,” we look at a lesson learned the hard way: material things cannot give us the peace, security or contentment that only God can provide.
Comparison doesn’t necessarily take our blessings away.
It takes away our ability to enjoy them.
Join me as we begin this four-part journey toward gratitude, freedom and discovering what true contentment looks like in Christ.
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Understanding the Power of Love in Our Lives
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-g5fmr-1b53d2c
The world offers many definitions of love, but true love begins with God, because God is love. In this episode, we explore what the Bible teaches about love and how God’s endless supply enables us to choose compassion over criticism, kindness over judgment, and loving action over empty words. Discover how even the simplest acts of love can touch a life and carry eternal value.
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Growing in Hearing God’s Voice: Part 6 | When God Speaks, Take the Next Step
Walking in Obedience
Have you ever asked God for direction…
and then, when you sensed His answer, found yourself asking Him again?
Lord, are You sure?
Was that really You?
Could You confirm it one more time?
This is Part 6 of our Growing in Hearing God’s Voice series. If you haven’t listened to the others please check out:
Part 1 – God Still Speaks Today: Why You Can Trust That He Wants to Speak to You
Part 2 – Learning to Recognize God’s Voice: Why Relationship Matters More Than Technique
Part 3 – Making Space to Listen: Quieting the Noise to Hear God More Clearly
Part 4 – The Many Ways God Speaks
Part 5 – How Do I know It’s Really God?
🎙️ Listen to the Podcast
If you’d prefer to listen to a shorter version of this message, please click on the link below and listen on Podbean for free. Alternatively, you can listen to The Jesus 4 Generations Podcast on your favorite streaming platform, e.g. Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.
Is It Discernment, or Is Fear Holding Us Back?
Sometimes we genuinely need further discernment. We need to test what we believe we have heard against Scripture, pray, wait, and perhaps seek wise counsel.
But sometimes, if we are truthful, we already know.
We are not waiting for God to speak.
We are waiting to feel brave enough to obey.
And there is a difference.
Throughout this series, we have been learning to recognize God’s voice, discern what is from Him, grow in confidence, and become more sensitive to the ways He leads us.
But hearing God was never meant to end with hearing.
Eventually, we have to take the next step.
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
James 1:22 (NIV)
Hearing Requires a Response
Throughout Scripture, when God spoke, people were faced with a decision.
Would they trust Him enough to act?
Noah built an ark before there was any sign of the flood.
Abraham left his homeland without knowing exactly where God was taking him.
Moses returned to Egypt despite his fears and insecurities.
Joshua stepped into leadership after Moses.
Peter climbed out of a perfectly good boat because Jesus said one word:
“Come.”
And Mary, when given an extraordinary and life-changing word from God, responded:
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
Luke 1:38 (NIV)None of these people had every detail before they began.
They had enough light for the next step.
And often, that is how God leads us too.
We Often Want the Whole Map
I would much prefer God to show me the entire plan.
Where are we going?
How long will it take?
What will happen along the way?
Will it work?
Will people understand?
Will I succeed?
And perhaps most importantly…
Will I be safe?
But God often doesn’t give us the entire map.
He gives us the next step.
The Bible says:
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
Psalm 119:105 (NIV)A lamp doesn’t necessarily illuminate the entire road ahead.
It gives enough light to see where to place your foot next.
Then you take another step.
And another…
And another.
Over time, you discover that God has been leading you all along.
Obedience Is an Expression of Trust
Sometimes we think of obedience as a rule.
God tells us something, and therefore we must do it.
But biblical obedience is much more relational than that.
Obedience says, “God, I trust You.”
I trust Your character.
I trust Your wisdom.
I trust that You see what I cannot see.
I trust that You know what lies ahead.
I trust that Your ways are better than mine.
Jesus said:
“If you love me, keep my commands.”
John 14:15 (NIV)Obedience flows from relationship.
We are not trying to earn God’s love through obedience.
We obey because we are loved.
We follow because we have learned that the One leading us is trustworthy.
Sometimes Obedience Feels Frightening
There are times when obeying God feels exciting.
And there are other times when it feels terrifying.
God may prompt you to have a difficult conversation.
Apologize.
Forgive someone.
Set a boundary.
Speak encouragement to someone.
Offer to pray.
Begin something new.
End something that has run its course.
Give generously.
Wait when you desperately want to move.
Move when you would rather stay comfortable.
Say yes.
Or say no.
Sometimes the hardest part isn’t hearing God.
It’s doing what we believe He has asked us to do.
Fear immediately begins asking questions.
What if I get it wrong?
What if they reject me?
What if I look foolish?
What if it doesn’t work?
But faith asks a different question:
What if God really is leading me?
Obedience Doesn’t Mean Recklessness
There is an important balance here.
Walking confidently in obedience does not mean acting impulsively on every thought or impression that enters our minds.
That is why the earlier parts of this series matter.
We learn to recognize God’s character.
We test what we hear against Scripture.
We grow in discernment.
We pray.
We listen.
We seek confirmation when appropriate.
And for significant decisions, particularly those affecting other people, finances, relationships, work, health, or major life direction, there is wisdom in seeking mature, godly counsel.
Scripture tells us:
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
Proverbs 15:22 (NIV)Discernment and obedience belong together.
But there can also come a point where asking for endless confirmation becomes another way of avoiding obedience.
Eventually, after we have prayed, tested, listened and discerned, we may need to say:
“Lord, I believe this is You. I trust You. I will take the next step.”
Start With the Small Things
We sometimes imagine obedience to God will involve enormous assignments.
Move across the world.
Start a ministry.
Change careers.
Sell everything.
And occasionally God does lead people into significant changes.
But much of our training happens in very ordinary moments.
Call that person.
Send the encouraging message.
Pray now.
Stop and listen.
Don’t join in that conversation.
Tell the truth.
Admit you were wrong.
Give quietly.
Wait.
Go.
Speak.
Be silent.
The more faithfully we respond to God’s gentle promptings, the more we learn what His leading feels like.
Jesus said:
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much….”
Luke 16:10 (NIV)Small acts of obedience matter.
They teach our hearts to respond.
Sometimes Understanding Comes After Obedience
This can be one of the hardest lessons to learn.
We often want God to explain everything before we obey.
But sometimes the understanding comes after the step.
Think again about Peter.
Jesus was walking on the water, and Peter said:
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
Matthew 14:28 (NIV)Jesus replied:
“Come,” he said…..
Matthew 14:29 (NIV)Peter then had a choice.
He could remain in the boat analyzing the word come.
He could ask the other disciples what they thought.
He could request three more confirmations.
Or he could put his foot over the side.
At some point, faith required movement.
And Peter experienced something he could never have experienced from inside the boat.
Yes, he later became frightened and began to sink.
But Jesus caught him.
That matters too.
Obedience does not mean we will execute everything perfectly.
We are learning.
And our confidence is not ultimately in our ability to hear perfectly.
Our confidence is in the God who is able to guide, correct, redirect and teach us as we walk with Him.
What If I Get It Wrong?
This fear can paralyze us.
Especially when we genuinely want to honor God.
But remember: God knows your heart.
If you are sincerely seeking Him, testing what you hear against Scripture, remaining teachable and wanting to obey Him, you don’t have to live terrified that one imperfect step will ruin God’s plan.
God is our Father.
He teaches us, His children.
Sometimes we will misunderstand.
Sometimes we will move too quickly.
Sometimes we will hesitate too long.
Sometimes we will discover that what we thought was God’s direction was actually our own desire.
When that happens, we learn.
We adjust.
We return to Him.
And we keep walking.
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”
Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)Notice those final words:
Walk in it.
Not merely hear it.
Not simply write it in a journal.
Not endlessly analyze it.
Walk.
Obedience Builds Confidence
There is something wonderful that happens when we begin responding to God’s leading.
We start developing a history with Him.
We look back and remember:
God prompted me to do that and now I understand why.
God told me to wait and I’m so glad I did.
God nudged me to speak to that person and they needed encouragement that day.
God closed that door and later I understood His protection.
God asked me to step forward when I was afraid and He met me there.
These experiences become markers along our journey.
They remind us:
God has led me before.
God was faithful then.
God will be faithful again.
And gradually, confidence grows.
Not confidence in ourselves.
Confidence in Him.
You Don’t Need to See the Whole Road
Perhaps God has already been speaking to you about something.
Maybe there is a step you know you need to take.
You have prayed.
You have discerned.
You have waited.
You have asked for confirmation.
And perhaps God is gently saying:
It’s time.
You don’t need to know everything that happens after the next step.
You simply need enough faith to take the step He is showing you today.
Because hearing God’s voice is wonderful.
Recognizing His voice is precious.
Growing in discernment is essential.
But ultimately, hearing God should lead us somewhere.
It should lead us into a life of trust, surrender and obedience.
Jesus said:
He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”
Luke 11:28 (NIV)So when God speaks…
listen.
Discern.
Test.
Pray.
And when you know it is time—
take the next step.
🙏 A Prayer for Courage to Obey
Father,
Thank You that You still lead Your children.
Thank You for Your patience as I learn to recognize Your voice and understand Your ways.
Lord, I don’t want simply to hear You. I want to follow You.
Give me wisdom to discern what is from You and courage to obey when You speak.
Where fear has caused me to hesitate, strengthen my faith.
Where I have been asking for confirmation because I am afraid to move, help me trust You.
Teach me to be faithful in the small things and willing in the bigger things.
And when I cannot see the whole road ahead, remind me that I don’t need the entire map.
I only need to walk with You.
Give me enough light for the next step and enough courage to take it.
And if I misunderstand or stumble, keep my heart humble and teachable. Correct me, redirect me and continue to lead me.
I trust You, Father.
Help me not only to hear Your voice, but to walk faithfully wherever You lead.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
👣 Activation: What Is Your Next Step?
Take a few quiet minutes with God today.
Ask Him:
“Lord, is there something You have already spoken to me about that I haven’t acted on?”
Don’t rush to answer.
Listen.
Perhaps something immediately comes to mind.
If it does, ask:
“Lord, what is the next faithful step?”
Not the next ten steps.
Just the next one.
Write it down.
Pray over it.
Test it against Scripture.
Seek wise counsel if the decision requires it.
And if you have peace that God is leading you—
take the step.
Then come back later and write down what happened.
Over time, you may begin to see something beautiful developing:
a history of hearing God…
trusting God…
and walking with Him.
I’d Love to Hear From You
Has there been a time when God prompted you to do something and you were nervous to obey, and later understood why He was leading you?
Or perhaps you’re learning right now how to move from hearing into doing.
I’d love for you to share your experience in the comments. Your story may be exactly the encouragement someone else needs to take their next step.
If this message encouraged you, please like, share and subscribe so others can join us as we continue growing together in hearing God’s voice.
And remember:
Right now is always the best time to begin with God.
God bless.
Sandy
All Bible Sources are from the New International Version (NIV)
I use Bible Gateway when out and about, check it out: https://www.biblegateway.com
I do not receive any commissions and have no affiliate partnerships with any sources noted.
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Growing in Hearing God’s Voice – Part 6 | When God Speaks, Take the Next Step
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-d7vuv-1b43bce
Have you ever asked God for direction, and then, when you sensed His answer, found yourself asking for just one more confirmation?
Sometimes we genuinely need discernment. But sometimes, we already know what God is asking us to do… we’re simply afraid to take the next step.
In Part 6 of Growing in Hearing God’s Voice, When God Speaks, Take the Next Step: Walking in Obedience, we explore what happens after we believe God has spoken. How do we move from hearing to doing? How can we tell the difference between wise discernment and fear? And what if we get it wrong?
You don’t need to see the whole road ahead. Sometimes God simply gives us enough light for the next faithful step.
For a deeper exploration of obedience, discernment, fear and learning to trust God’s leading, visit http://www.Jesus 4 Generations.com and read the companion blog post.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” — Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
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Growing in Hearing God’s Voice – Part 5
How Do I Know It’s Really God?
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
John 10:27 (NIV)Have You Ever Wondered…
“Was that really God… or was it just me?”
Perhaps you’ve sensed a gentle nudge to encourage someone.
Or you felt prompted to pray for a stranger.
Maybe a particular Bible verse kept coming to mind throughout the day.
Yet almost immediately another voice spoke:
“What if I’m imagining this?”
“What if I get it wrong?”
“What if I make a fool of myself?”
If you’ve ever asked those questions, you’re in very good company.
Almost every Christian who is learning to hear God’s voice wrestles with this at some point. The good news is that God isn’t trying to confuse us. He is a loving Father who delights in teaching His children to recognise His voice.
Hearing God isn’t about becoming perfect overnight.
It’s about growing in relationship.
🎙️ Listen to the Podcast
Prefer to listen? You can enjoy a shorter version of this message on The Jesus 4 Generations Podcast.
Click the link below to listen for free on Podbean, or find The Jesus 4 Generations Podcast on your favorite podcast platform, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more.
https://ozsazzles.podbean.com/e/growing-in-hearing-gods-voice-part-5-how-do-i-know-its-really-god
God Is Not Playing Hide and Seek
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)Sometimes we imagine God speaking in mysterious riddles, leaving us to work everything out.
That isn’t His heart.
Jesus described Himself as the Good Shepherd.
Sheep don’t spend every moment wondering whether they’re following the shepherd.
They simply learn to recognize his voice through spending time with him.
The more time we spend with Jesus, in Scripture, prayer and worship, the more familiar His voice becomes.
Just as you instantly know the voice of someone you love on the phone, we gradually learn to recognize the character of God’s voice.
Four Questions That Help Test What We Hear
The Bible doesn’t tell us to believe every impression we have.
Instead, it encourages us to test it.
“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
1 John 4:1 (NIV)Here are four simple questions I regularly ask.
1. Does It Agree with Scripture?
God will never contradict His written Word.
The Holy Spirit inspired Scripture, so He will never tell us to do something that opposes it.
If an impression encourages bitterness, pride, revenge, dishonesty, immorality or anything contrary to God’s Word, we can confidently reject it.
The Bible is our anchor.
Our experiences should always be measured against Scripture—not the other way around.
2. Does It Sound Like Jesus?
Jesus is full of grace and truth.
Sometimes God convicts us of sin.
But conviction is very different from condemnation.
The Holy Spirit gently draws us back toward Jesus.
The enemy pushes us away through shame.
God may say,
“Come back to Me.”
Condemnation says,
“You’re hopeless. God is finished with you.”
One produces repentance.
The other produces despair.
Learn to recognize the difference.
3. What Fruit Does It Produce?
God’s voice produces the fruit of the Spirit.
Even when His words challenge us, and lead us to repent, they ultimately produce peace, hope, humility, love and life.
Fear, panic, confusion and relentless accusations are not the language of our Shepherd. They are not aligned with His character.
James describes God’s wisdom beautifully:
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
James 3:17 (NIV)That’s a wonderful checklist.
4. Does Wise Counsel Confirm It?
God often confirms important direction through mature believers.
This doesn’t mean we become dependent on everyone else’s opinions.
Rather, we remain teachable.
Especially when making significant life decisions, wise Christian counsel can provide valuable confirmation, or loving correction.
God speaks personally.
But He also places us in the Body of Christ for a reason.
What About Mistakes?
Here’s something that brought me enormous freedom years ago.
God expects us to learn.
Think about how a loving parent teaches a child to walk.
When the child stumbles, the parent doesn’t say,
“That’s it. You’re never walking again.”
They smile.
They pick them up.
They encourage another step.
Our heavenly Father is far more patient than we often imagine.
Sometimes we may think God is prompting us to do something and later realize we misunderstood.
If our heart was genuinely seeking Him, He is wonderfully gracious.
Learning to hear God’s voice is exactly that…
Learning.
Mistakes don’t disqualify us.
They often become part of how we grow.
One Simple Practice
When you sense God speaking, don’t rush.
Write it down.
Pray over it.
Search the Scriptures.
Wait if necessary.
Watch for confirmation.
Ask the Holy Spirit,
“Lord, if this is You, please continue to make it clear.”
You’ll often be surprised how faithfully He does.
Hearing God Is About Relationship
The goal isn’t becoming someone who can say,
“God told me…”
The goal is becoming someone who knows Jesus more deeply.
The closer we walk with Him, the more naturally we begin to recognize His voice.
Not because we’ve mastered a technique.
But because we’ve grown to know the Shepherd.
And that’s what discipleship has always been about.
One step at a time.
One conversation at a time.
One day at a time.
Prayer
Father,
Thank You that You are a God who speaks to Your children. Thank You that You are patient as we learn to recognize Your voice.
Give us hearts that are humble, teachable and grounded in Your Word. Help us never to be led by fear, emotion or pride, but always by Your Holy Spirit.
Teach us to know the difference between Your gentle conviction and the enemy’s condemnation. Help us to grow in wisdom, discernment and confidence as we walk with You.
May we know You more deeply each day and faithfully follow wherever You lead.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Activation
This week, when you sense God prompting you:
- Pause before reacting.
- Compare it with Scripture.
- Ask whether it reflects the character of Jesus.
- Consider what fruit it will produce.
- If it’s significant, seek wise counsel from a mature Christian.
- Keep a journal of what you believe God is saying and how He confirms it over time.
You’ll likely discover that God has been speaking more often than you ever realized.
I’d Love to Hear From You
Have you ever sensed God speaking and later seen Him confirm it?
Or perhaps you’re still learning to recognize His voice.
Share your experience in the comments below. Your story may encourage someone else who is on the same journey.
If this message has encouraged you, please like and share so together we can help more people discover the joy of walking closely with Jesus.
Remember to subscribe and join the growing Jesus 4 Generations community for Part 6, where we’ll discover what happens when hearing God’s voice moves beyond simply listening, and becomes a lifestyle of confident obedience. Because every time we say ‘yes’ to God, His Kingdom is advanced, our faith grows, and He accomplishes far more through our lives than we could ever imagine.
Until next time, remember…
Right now is always the best time to begin with God.
God bless,
Love
Sandy
All Bible Sources are from the New International Version (NIV)
I use Bible Gateway when out and about, check it out: https://www.biblegateway.com
I do not receive any commissions and have no affiliate partnerships with any sources noted.
-
Growing in Hearing God’s Voice – Part 5 | How Do I Know It’s Really God?
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-xzzws-1b2f8c6
In Part 5 of the Growing in Hearing God’s Voice series, we explore four biblical ways to test what we hear and grow in confidence as we learn to recognize the voice of our Good Shepherd. Discover how Scripture, the character of Jesus, the fruit of the Spirit and wise counsel can help us discern God’s leading with wisdom and peace.
This episode highlights the key principles from the companion blog and invites you to explore the full message, complete with additional Scriptures, practical application, prayer and a weekly activation at http://www.Jesus4Generations.com.
Series: Growing in Hearing God’s Voice
Part 1 – God Still Speaks Today: Why You Can Trust That He Wants to Speak to You
Part 2 – Learning to Recognize God’s Voice: Why Relationship Matters More Than Technique
Part 3 – Making Space to Listen: Quieting the Noise to Hear God More Clearly
Part 4 – The Many Ways God Speaks
Part 5 – How Do I know It’s Really God? (You are here)
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Growing in Hearing God’s Voice – Part 4
The Many Ways God Speaks
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
John 10:27 (NIV)
Have You Ever Wondered…
Have you ever heard someone say,
“God told me…”
…and quietly wondered,
“I don’t think He’s ever spoken to me like that.”
Perhaps you’ve assumed that hearing God’s voice is reserved for pastors, prophets, missionaries, or particularly “spiritual” Christians.
The wonderful news is that God delights in communicating with all of His children.
He is a loving Father who wants relationship with us, not simply obedience. Throughout Scripture, we see God speaking in many different ways. While the methods may vary, His heart never changes. He desires to guide us, encourage us, correct us, comfort us and draw us closer to Himself.
Let’s explore some of the ways God speaks today.
This is Part 4 of a series:
Growing in Hearing God’s Voice – Part 1 | God Still Speaks Today: Why You Can Trust That He Wants to Speak to You
Growing in Hearing God’s Voice – Part 2 | Learning to Recognize God’s Voice: Why Relationship Matters More Than Technique
Growing in Hearing God’s Voice – Part 3 | Making Space to Listen: Quieting the Noise to Hear God More Clearly
Growing in Hearing God’s Voice – Part 4 | The Many Ways God Speaks (You are here)
🎙️ Listen to the Podcast
Prefer to listen? You can enjoy a shorter version of this message on The Jesus 4 Generations Podcast.
Click the link below to listen for free on Podbean, or find The Jesus 4 Generations Podcast on your favorite podcast platform, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more.
https://ozsazzles.podbean.com/e/growing-in-hearing-gods-voice-part-4-the-many-ways-god-speaks/
1. God Speaks Through His Word
This is the primary and most reliable way God speaks.
The Bible isn’t simply an ancient collection of writings. It is God’s living Word, breathed out by Him.
“For the word of God is alive and active…”
Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)There are moments when we’ve read a familiar passage dozens of times, and suddenly one verse seems to leap off the page.
It feels as though God has highlighted it just for us.
That isn’t because the Bible has changed.
It’s because the Holy Spirit is illuminating His Word for our particular situation.
If we’re ever unsure whether something we’ve sensed is from God, come back to Scripture.
God will never contradict what He has already revealed.
2. God Speaks Through the Gentle Prompting of the Holy Spirit
Often God’s voice isn’t loud.
It’s quiet.
A gentle impression.
A deep conviction.
A persistent nudge that refuses to disappear.
We may suddenly feel prompted to pray for someone.
Call a friend.
Offer encouragement.
Apologise.
Wait before making a decision.
Or perhaps choose not to say something we were about to say.
These promptings may seem small, yet they can have enormous significance.
Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would guide us.
“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth…”
John 16:13 (NIV)As we learn to recognise these promptings, and respond, we become increasingly sensitive to His leading.
3. God Speaks Through Peace
Not every feeling of peace comes from God.
But God’s peace often serves as a gentle confirmation when we’re walking in step with Him.
Paul wrote,
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7 (NIV)Sometimes we’re faced with two good choices.
Both seem reasonable.
Yet one carries a deep, settled peace that remains even when circumstances are uncertain.
That peace isn’t merely the absence of anxiety.
It is confidence that comes from trusting God.
4. God Speaks Through Wise Counsel
God often uses mature believers to help us hear Him more clearly.
None of us sees perfectly.
We all have blind spots.
God graciously places wise, Spirit-filled people around us who can encourage, challenge and sometimes lovingly correct us.
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
Proverbs 15:22 (NIV)This doesn’t mean allowing others to make every decision for us.
Rather, it means remaining humble enough to receive godly wisdom.
5. God Speaks Through Circumstances
God is sovereign.
He opens doors.
He closes doors.
Sometimes circumstances confirm the direction He’s already been speaking about through Scripture and prayer.
However, circumstances alone should never be our guide.
An open door doesn’t always mean “go.”
A closed door doesn’t always mean “stop.”
The Apostle Paul experienced both open and closed doors throughout his ministry.
Instead, circumstances should be viewed alongside Scripture, prayer, wisdom and the inner witness of the Holy Spirit.
6. God Speaks Through Dreams and Visions
Throughout the Bible, God used dreams and visions.
Joseph.
Daniel.
Peter.
Paul.
Even Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, received guidance through dreams.
God still can speak this way today.
However, dreams and visions should never become our primary pursuit.
Instead of chasing extraordinary experiences, we are called to pursue Jesus Himself.
When God chooses to speak through a dream or vision, it will always align with His Word and draw us closer to Christ, not away from Him.
A Balanced Perspective
Some Christians hear God most often through Scripture, while others frequently experience gentle promptings, dreams or prophetic encouragement. None of these methods makes one believer more spiritual than another. God knows each of us personally and communicates in ways that best help us grow in relationship with Him. Our focus should never be comparing experiences but faithfully responding to His voice, however He chooses to speak.
7. God Speaks Through Creation
Have you ever stood overlooking the ocean at sunrise?
Watched the stars on a clear night?
Listened to birds singing before dawn?
Creation continually points us toward its Creator.
David wrote,
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
Psalm 19:1 (NIV)Sometimes God reminds us of His greatness, faithfulness and creativity simply by helping us slow down enough to notice what He has made. When our eye is drawn to something He created, it may also symbolize something deeper. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what God is saying.
8. God Speaks Through Other Believers
There are moments when another Christian shares an encouraging Scripture, offers a timely word, or says something that speaks directly into your situation.
This may happen in church.
A Connect Group.
A conversation over coffee.
Or during prayer.
These moments can be deeply encouraging.
However, every prophetic word or personal encouragement should be tested carefully against Scripture.
As Paul instructed,
“Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.”
1 Thessalonians 5:20–21 (NIV)God never asks us to switch off our discernment.
A Word of Wisdom
One of the easiest mistakes we can make is looking for the spectacular while overlooking the ordinary.
We wait for the booming voice from heaven.
The dramatic vision.
The unmistakable miracle.
Meanwhile, God may already be speaking quietly through today’s Bible reading.
A gentle prompting.
A sermon.
A conversation.
A verse we’ve memorised for years.
God’s guidance comes through ordinary faithfulness and extraordinary experiences. We must not miss the still small voice in the mundane, while waiting for something remarkable to stop us in our tracks.
The more we walk with Him, the more we begin recognizing His voice woven through everyday life.
The Goal Is Relationship
The purpose of hearing God’s voice is never simply receiving information.
It is knowing Him.
Jesus didn’t say,
“My sheep know all the answers.”
He said,
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
John 10:27 (NIV)The goal isn’t becoming an expert in hearing God.
The goal is knowing God and becoming more like Jesus.
As we spend time with Him each day, we gradually notice His voice more naturally, just as we know the voice of someone we deeply love.
Prayer
Father,
Thank You that You are not distant or silent. Thank You that You desire relationship with Your children and continue to guide us with Your loving voice.
Help us to treasure Your Word above every other voice. Give us hearts that are humble, discerning and willing to obey whatever You say. Teach us to notice Your gentle promptings and to trust You even when Your guidance comes quietly.
Keep us from chasing experiences instead of pursuing You. May every way You speak draw us closer to Jesus and help us become more like Him.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Activation
This week, ask yourself each day:
- What Scripture has stood out to me today?
- Have I sensed any gentle promptings from the Holy Spirit?
- Has God spoken through another believer or through creation?
- Is there one small step of obedience I need to take today?
Write these moments in a journal.
Over time, you’ll begin to notice just how faithfully God has been speaking all along.
Have you ever recognized God speaking through one of these ways?
I’d love to hear your experience. Share it in the comments below, it may encourage someone else who is still learning to know His voice.
If this series has encouraged you, please consider sharing it with a friend, and don’t forget to like, subscribe and join us for Part 5, where we’ll explore one of the most important questions of all:
How do we know it’s really God’s voice—and not our own thoughts?
Until next time, remember…
Right now is always the best time to begin with God.
Love
Sandy
All Bible Sources are from the New International Version (NIV)
I use Bible Gateway when out and about, check it out: https://www.biblegateway.com
I do not receive any commissions and have no affiliate partnerships with any sources noted.
Jesus 4 Generations
Revealing our loving God to generations
