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God, is that really you?

How do you know God is speaking to you?  Are you hearing God's voice or could it be the late-night pepperoni pizza you ate?  How can you distinguish between a good idea and a God idea? Here are some steps I take to tune in to God's voice:

• I sit on it (just like the Fonz says):  In some cases I won't shout things from the rooftops just yet.  Instead, I'll sit on the thought like a chicken on her eggs.  I'll let the thought incubate, warm, grow, and develop in prayer.
• I slow leak it:  Rather than broadcast the thought, I narrow-cast it to trusted friends and advisers. "Many advisers make victory sure." (Prov. 11:24)
• I read about it:  What does Scripture say?  Note: the Bible often won't speak explicitly about your situation, however, regular reading of the Bible will wire your soul to hear God; like a radio, you will fine tune your hearing and insight via the Holy Spirit.  What do others say via books, blogs, or articles?

• I die to it:  That is, I hold the thought loosely and remain flexible.  But, if I can't shake it, if it won't go away, then I continue to follow promptings and walk through doors.
• I act on it:  I take faith steps and walk through doors looking for signs to follow, not vice-versa.
• And remember: Playing it safe is risky!