5 Ways to Verify God’s Leading
Change is hard.
For 15 years, I worked for a brilliant dentist. It was the best job. Flexible hours. Great benefits. Nice people. Lovely Christmas parties. The whole package. But eventually, I felt God calling me away from it and into a full-time speaking and writing ministry.
The call was clear but I hesitated. I’d been with Dr. D. for so long, leaving felt like a divorce. Losing the security of a regular paycheck was scary. Losing the familiarity I had with the staff and the connection with all those patients I had come to know and love was heartbreakingly hard! It felt like a giant leap across a deep ravine.
Confirm what you heard.
As you pray for guidance or answers or the courage to confirm God’s leading, ask these questions.
- Is the direction God is leading consistent with His nature?
- Has He ever lead in this direction before – in the Bible or in your life?
- Do the circumstances line up with a change?
- Are you equipped with the training or experience necessary?
- Have people who love you and love God affirmed the leading?
- Does the change bring you comfort, assurance and peace?
1. Agree with God’s yes.
If you have a yes in your heart and the go-ahead from God, align your actions with his direction and proceed with confidence. “When we are following God’s will for our lives, we will be obeying God’s word in our lives.” – Mark Ballenger
2. Complete the training.
As I eased into following his call into ministry, God gave me more and more opportunities to practice my speaking. As doors opened for me to speak, my confidence and love for ministry grew into an unquenchable passion.
Are you uniquely positioned to follow the call or direction or is there training that needs to be completed or practice you need to do?
3. Confirm the idea.
Seek Godly counsel about the call or leading or change you sense God is giving you. As I considered what moving from the office job to full-time ministry might entail, Dave (my hubz) encouraged me to make the shift. As I talked with women already in speaking ministries, they helped me clarify the “why” of my calling as well as the “what” and “how” to make it happen.
4. Verify through circumstances.
Are doors closing to one area but opening up in another? When I felt God call me to resign from a job that had provided security for 15 years, He also opened doors for me to speak more often. Additionally, the timing was perfect. I was 58. I’d been teaching the Bible for decades. I was an accomplished storyteller. The house was paid for. The kids were flourishing in their careers. Dave was completely supportive of my choice.
5. Wait for peace.
While God may call you into something exciting, even a little scary, you should have peace about the shift. As it became clear to me that I’d have to quit the dentist’s, a peace and excitement swelled in me.
Everything lined up and I made the leap. As you look to the heavens for answers, guidance, and leading, you can confirm that what you’re hearing is from God.
What do you feel God is leading you to do or change? I’d love to agree in prayer with you for the yes in your heart. Leave me a comment below and I’ll pray over every one.
Verse for today: “Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.” Psalm 119:165
Prayer: Lord, I know you only want what is best for us even if that means change. Lord, confirm your leading to us and give us the courage to take action on what you ask. Verify each step of the way. In Jesus Name amen.
Thanks for this. I would not have quit my job, even though it was getting more physically difficult at times, but the pandemic caused restructuring and my department and I were eliminated. Praying for God’s direction on what is next. Job hunting is difficult with health issues.
Ugh, change is so hard – especially when you don’t see it coming. I agree with you in prayer for a new opportunity to fall in your lap. One that is beyond your imagination kind of good with great people to work with and a short commute and really satisfying work. And sooner rather than later!
I know God is at work in my life right now. Things are very uncomfortable. I’m crying out for His leading in my life and to bring someone alongside me to help guide me in this season of growth.
Oh, Lord, your daughter is in such need here. Close the gap between heaven and earth by bringing her a guide, a companion, a friend, a mentor who has the wisdom and life experiences to lead her in her purpose. Jesus, we know you sent your Holy Spirit with all knowledge, so we ask for supernatural leading – either to a guide or directly downloading direction to Sara. We love you Lord, reveal your good plan. In Jesus name amen.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom and life. I am in a time of choice myself right now. I am currently in a job I am very happy in. I have been called for an interview on April 22 for another job. I am praying about it and hopefully after the interview I will have a clear message from God. Thank you for your prayers
Indeed, I agree in prayer for clarity. Lord, you are so good to give us many wonderful opportunities. We ask in the name of Jesus, for clear direction for Kathie as she weighs her options for employment. Lord, gift her with satisfaction in her work, excellent working relationships and restful time off. God, lead her. amen.
Robyn, it was such a delight to receive your message, my sister in Christ! I’m reaching out for I really feel God has equipped me with a life of testimonies that I am to share… I know he’s been calling, but due to my status “becoming disabled at 54” and my life income shift becoming what one would consider “survival income” it has always seemed impossible; but I know nothing is impossible with God. I managed to write a book for children which I called “Graceferd.” It came from yet another place of my own testimonial. I finished it and had copies made, but that to has been put on a shelf. I write poetry, but have never published any of it. I am writing you for help and guidance, maybe to be my mentor, only God knows that answer. As I believe we all have life experiences and testimonies, I know God has provided me with quite an unusual life with experience that are meant to be shared, it’s the how I don’t know about. I have the most Unique bond with animals and I truly believe God speaks to me through them for I have had experiences like no other, after all they are Gods creatures and his creation.
Please consider helping me in accomplishing what God has gifted and inspired me to do. I’m truly at a lose as to where to go, but yet I find myself coming to you-a stranger, but a sister in Christ, that much I know… Thank you, and I pray I hear from you but either way God Bless you and your family. ???????
Here is a poem I wrote around 10years of age:
The Precious Blood Of The Lamb
They sought to kill Him, but He never fought and He never ran,
for He walked all through the land.
Christ had other plans,
for in order to pay the price He had to be the final sacrifice.
In order for us to be saved from being damned,
it would take the precious blood of the lamb.
There is power in the blood!
Let us not waiver in what He has done.
We truly have been blessed, for we can now have eternal rest.
Christ has been good to you and I; just think of it, we never have to die!
Oh, it’s true, our body may pass away but our soul;
our soul is here to stay.
I long to tell you of this precious blood.
This blood that washes sins away.
There is nothing to compare.
He gave His all; He took the fall.
You see, He didn’t have too.
He could have walked away, for He was free!
He allowed the crucifixion, it was meant to be.
So, we could be covered by His blood.
His precious, precious blood has made us free.
He chose to suffer for you and I.
Oh, blessed Lamb, let us praise you!
I know we don’t give it much thought;
but for a price we were bought.
The price was more than we could give,
then He came and paid the price
so we could live…
Hi Donita,
That’s a beautiful poem and you wrote it at 10? wow. I coach speakers and am happy to talk to you about that. I see you’ve set up a call with me. Yeah! I look forward to hearing more!
I am there. I am in my 60’s and am moving to my daughters in another state. They own a large property that has another smaller house on it besides their own. We’d talked about it for years… but I was never ready to leave permanently. My roots, my ministry opportunities, family, and dear friends, in Ohio. And we knew it would never happen if it wasn’t the “hubby’s” idea first. 🙂 One day very recently they were talking about moving one day when the kids are grown, to Florida, My daughter said to him…when we do this, please let me take my mom with us. Just like that…he said sure, we will shop that way. Then said “why wait. lets move her in here now. (their present location) She was on the phone to me in minutes and if everything falls into place I’ll relocate in the next couple months. My daughter has the gifting’s to be a pastor or youth pastor at least some kind of leadership ministry and is a good preacher as well. I carry some of these gifting’s as well. She has 5 kiddos and is presently a teacher in a Christian school. She’s not good at taking a break 🙂 I have some mobility issues from years of factory floors and an accident many years ago. I do not want to be “over”. My hearts desire is to help her succeed and to flourish as well in my gray headed days. I want to be a help as well growing my grands spiritually. I’ve lived by myself for many years. So this will be a serious culture change. I do not want to be a burden to her…but a blessing, But I still want to be a blessing to the Lord and His kingdom. I met you once in Rockford Ohio, at Mount Tabor Church of God. I remember it was a blessing.
WOW Linda what a testimony! I am so proud of your courage and admire your wisdom. Moving entails all the sifting and sorting a lifetime of treasured memories so you can start fresh in your new home. I love that you’ll have your own domicile. Your sensitivity to all the potential relationship hazards will certainly be helpful as you establish boundaries.
I’m so excited for you and your daughter. I would LOVE to have my mom within walking distance … and in her own home. I am confident you will be a BLESSING to your family.
Much love and thanks for posting.
Robyn this email came to me at a time where I am looking to move somewhere else to go further in my career at work. I’ve decided to go back to school for my bachelors degree and am praying it will get me a job that will be my retirement job. I’m looking to move out of state or farther away from where I’m at I’ve applied to several jobs with my company. I’m praying for God to guide me and make it clear to me which direction to go with my life you’re prayers would be greatly appreciated. ? Love you and God Bless you
Yes indeed, Kim.
Lord, pave the way for Kim’s career path. Put her name in front of influencers. We agree and say yes to this plan as we trust you to lead her on. In Jesus name amen