God Told You or You Told Yourself?
Just because it sounds spiritual… doesn’t mean it’s from God.
We’ve all been there. That moment when everything seems right — the doors open, the words sound holy enough, but something deep inside whispers, wait. Maybe it was that church you left because you thought your season was up. Maybe it was that job offer that felt like a blessing but turned sideways. Maybe it was the man you said yes to or the ministry you launched without clear direction. Could what you called “God’s will” have really been your will, dressed in prayer clothes?
In this world where faith and hustle mix, it’s easy to confuse the voice of God with our own wants. We throw out “God told me” like a stamp of approval when sometimes it’s just a cover for what we want to believe. But hear me — not every “spiritual” move is heaven-sent.
God is still speaking. But our feelings? They shout. Our fears? Louder. Our dreams? They scream so loud we mistake them for prophecy. Real discernment? It’s not in the noise or the hype. It’s in the quiet moments. In knowing God’s voice so well that no fake can trick you — not even the one inside your head.
We say “God told me to move” when we just don’t feel comfortable anymore. We say “God is releasing me” when really, we’re running from responsibility. We dress up our decisions in spiritual language because it feels safer. But calling our choices God’s will won’t protect us from the fallout.
This isn’t a sign you’re unspiritual or failing. It means you’re human — learning and growing. And God? He’s not here to shame you. He’s here to refine you. To sharpen your spirit so you can tell the real voice from the noise.
So how do you know it’s really God?
It won’t just sound good. It will line up with His Word — “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). It will stretch you without breaking you. Bring peace that outlasts the thrill — “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). It will produce real fruit, not just applause or adrenaline.
When it’s God, you won’t have to push or prove it. You won’t need to twist the story to fit your timeline. His plans come wrapped in confirmation, peace, and grace — even when the path is tough.
Let’s get real about sitting in God’s presence before we slap “His will” on our decisions. Let’s be bold enough to ask, “Lord, is this You or just me?” Let’s be brave enough to admit when we missed the mark and humble enough to course-correct.
Because obedience isn’t just about doing. It’s about listening. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is pause, pray, and wait for your spirit to line up with heaven.
Prayer
God,
Sometimes we rush. We move from church to church, job to job, decision to decision — thinking it’s You leading us. Help us see when it’s really us. Give us peace to wait, wisdom to listen, and courage to follow Your true voice. Shape us, refine us, and keep us from chasing feelings over Your truth. We want to obey You — fully, boldly, and patiently. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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