Father, thank You for the example of Gideon. What a great illustration to show me it’s ok to ask You for confirmation that I am indeed hearing from You. It’s important to be sure before taking action.
There are times when I am sure I hear You and understand what I am to do.
But other times when, probably due to fear or reluctance on my part, I second guess myself and come up with lots of reasons why I might have misunderstood You. I need to be reassured. So I am glad to know it is all right to ask for that reassurance.
I desire to follow in Gideon’s footsteps, Lord. First, it’s important for me to know who I am hearing from. He asked for confirmation and received absolute proof he was hearing from You. Upon realizing it was truly You, he built an altar that acknowledged You as The One True God.
Then, he was obedient in Your instructions to remove the worship of other gods, tearing down the false altar and Asherah pole. And even though he did this fearfully, You protected and blessed him.
As he followed through with Your plan, he asked for clear validation. Gideon used a good example of something that would be unlikely if not impossible to have happened naturally. So I too, need to be sure I’m not asking for a sign that will simply support my own desire; like, “Lord, if the sun comes up tomorrow I will know You mean…”
How do I verify I am hearing from You? Asking You to combust food like Gideon did, is probably not the best route to go these days, although not beyond Your ability. And You have left Your written Word as a guide for me. So I have learned to ask three questions:
1 – Does what I hear agree with Scripture? The answer must be “yes.” I believe You will never tell me anything that contradicts what You have already told me in Your Word. So I must be familiar with Your Word.
2 – What will the result, or the fruit of the act be? It should lead to and produce the fruit of the Spirit; which is peace, patience, love, joy, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, kindness, and self-control. The acts of the flesh are immorality, idolatry, impurity, debauchery, witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, rage, selfish ambition, dissension, envy, and the like. So I can look at the expected result and see where I am headed.
3 – Will it benefit my relationship with You, Lord? Everything I do will either draw me closer to You or pull me farther away in our relationship.
So I can ask the three questions. But if confusion still exists, it is good to know that I can come to You with whatever concern I have. And know that You will answer me so I can be sure of Your direction.
Thank You that You let me hear Your voice. And help me confirm it. Amen
Daily Bible Prayer 