Have you ever missed your turn when following your GPS? It can be annoying and super inconvenient, but truthfully, it’s not the end of the world. I know that when it comes to hearing from God about something really important to us, we feel super pressured to hear Him 100% on it before we move forward. I’m going to share a little testimony of an encounter I had with Jesus about 7 months ago when I was trying to make a decision, how I misheard Him, and how HE handled it afterwards. Finally, I’m going to give you some questions I ask myself when I’m testing my heart to make sure it’s in the best position to hear from God, clearly!
I was trying to search for my next job since I was so miserable at the one I was at. Which, by the way, God did not lead me to this job. He actually told me that He was going to provide, and I didn’t need to take this job because I was moving in my own strength and out of fear. I was moved by the pressure I was giving myself, instead of being led by the Holy Spirit. Because I didn't listen to this, I was in a worse position than I was before! *hand to face*
I knew God wanted me to do something with clothes for sure, I also had a strong desire to do personal training because I love working with people to help them reach their goals. I’ve been working out since I was 16 years old. I’ve successfully lost over 60lbs and built a healthy lifestyle full of energy and strength and I wanted to help other women do that too. How many of you know, that there is God’s permissive will, and His perfect will? I don’t want to do what He will allow; I want to do what He WANTS. I was trying to take my time to hear from Him if I should pay for these personal training certificates. They were pricey. Some time goes by and I'm not hearing a word about these certificates, He was talking, just not about that, lol. Next thing I know, there is a GOOD SALE, like....GOOD! The certificates were still expensive, but defiantly cheaper. So, I just took a step of faith and bought it. This is where the testimony gets good...
Next thing I know, I’m studying to get my certifications, and I'm starting to work towards opening a business. And working full-time, with my husband and son to take care of too. I felt so overwhelmed. To the point where I had to come back to Jesus and ask Him “Did you want me to do this, or did I do this?” It was a question that kept coming back to me, even after we paid for it. One night I was feeling too overwhelmed, so I began to worship. Next thing I know, I went into this encounter with Jesus.
My eyes were closed, but I could see Jesus and myself walking side by side along a calm deep blue river. In the encounter, I asked Jesus “did I make a mistake in buying the trainings so I could get certified in personal training” Then, check this out, I interrupted the encounter and assumed Jesus was shaking His head in disappointment at me. But as soon as I did that, the encounter restarted. Once again, Jesus and I were walking alongside the same deep blue river, I asked Him that question, but His answer blew my mind.
Jesus turned to me, His eyes were so full of love and joy that I felt His love hit me. And I just started to bawl crying. He smiled so big at me, and said “Don’t worry, we will make it work in there, somehow.” Then He laughed a little bit and then boom, the encounter was over. I was so shocked and blown away by His mercy and love and gentleness I just..cried like a baby. This encounter showed me a lot about Jesus that night. Things about Him I think I had forgotten and somehow got to the point of thinking He was going to be so disappointed in me. It was completly opposite though. He was so powerful and confident, He wasn't worried about a thing. He was full of life and joy.
The reason I wanted to share this with you is because even when you mishear God or take a wrong turn. It’s truly okay. I’m not saying that you should play games and do whatever you want. But what I am saying is if you’re trying your best to please God but for one reason or another you “miss your turn” or take a wrong turn, He is faithful to lead you back to where you need to be, and He’s happy to do it. He really just wants your heart, and He wants to help you go where God desires you to go in your life. Because I moved out of pressure, it inflicted pain and wasted my own time. But man, He’s just so good, He worked it out. Then He later told me that the personal training/fitness stuff was going to “play really well” with my business.
Be encouraged today! Let the Lord guide you in all that you do. Do it all for Him and with Him. Don't let outside circumstances drive you anywhere but to the feet of Jesus, and give Him time to speak. Trust Him while you wait. If you want to hear Him more clearly so you can be obedient, it’s important to make sure your heart is in the right place. Here are some questions I asked myself to test and see if my heart is in the right place to hear from God:
- Am I genuinely ready to obey God, no matter what He says?
- What motives are moving me to ask God for this?
- Do these motives align with His heart?
- If His answer is my worst-case scenario, am I willing to obey anyway, and move forward properly in it?
*Moving forward properly is important because when we go through a process with God, yes, the blessing is what we want. But God is more concerned about you becoming who He has created you to be. Remember, all this life is temporary. Cars, money, kids, jobs, etc... God has blessed us with this life, He wants us to enjoy it and be blessed. Our heart just needs to be in the right place to receive and maintain His blessings. Not just for now, but for eternity with Him. How many of you know someone who has a kid but is not being the best parent for that kid? This is a common blessing I see that many people were not ready for. Now this blessing is mistreated because of that.
If your heart is moving forward properly, that means you’re going to be doing it God’s way. For example, let’s say you feel convicted to donate $100 to a local food bank. Money is tight, and honestly you could really use that money. This is how you look at your heart. Do you give it grudgingly? Or do you give it happily, because you know that God is faithful, and He will provide for you? It’s not a matter if you do it or not, it’s important to God where your heart is when you do it. Take time and get your heart right. You’ll hear a lot easier and more clearly from God when you do this.
What are some ways ya’ll test your hearts? How do you all know when you’re hearing from God? I’d love to hear! Reach out to me on my social medias!!
Love ya'll! <3
XOXO
-Daisy