Today I have a guest post from blogger, Julie Gorman. She blogs at His Love Extended.
God’s Voice Communicates Peace—It Doesn’t Leave us Fearful (reprinted with permission)
About six years ago, God led me to leave a lucrative career and commissioned me to do the work of an evangelist!
“You have been spent for many things, but now I want you to be spent for me. I want you to put your hand to my task.” I couldn’t shake the thought from my mind.
God’s peace soothed all of my questions except one; what would my husband think? I knew I needed to talk to Greg and finally worked up my courage.
“Greg, we need to talk.”
“Sure, babe; what’s up?”
“I’ve been praying and feel like God wants me to quit my job.” I winced, waiting to see if he thought I lost my mind.
Greg smiled, “Me too.”
“What? You’re kidding me; really” I replied.
“I’ve known now, for about six months, but waited for God to tell you; I knew if I told you, you might reject the idea.” Greg said grinning, happy I had finally discerned God’s will.
As I look back at that time, I remember thinking of all the changes that lay ahead of us…but the comfort I felt from God as an overwhelming peace covered us and calmed our fears.
So, today’s hint to discern God voice centers on peace; we discern God’s voice from our own, by asking: How does it feel in our “gut”? Does the thought or feeling fill us with peace or unrest?
Even in the face of great danger, peace guards our heart when God speaks. Don’t get me wrong…we may have questions…we may even begin to worry…but as we submit those fears God will cover us with His peace and let us know…”YES. This is the way. Walk in it!”
Isaiah 55:10-12 says, “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sewer and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace…”
God’s peace always accompanies God’s direction and helps us distinguish His voice from our own. The absence of peace is the absence of God’s direction. Our situations aren’t always pleasant but God’s peace always accompanies His voice.
God moves us in peace. Our voice tends to worry about “the how’s” “the when’s” and “the why’s”. God always leads with peace, emphasizing “I will do it…in just the right time…because I promised to.”
Jesus promised, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) God’s peace accompanies His voice.
If our message lacks peace or conflicts with the Word of God, it’s not His voice. Godly impressions never contradict the Word of God or His character.
