How do we know if we are following God's plan for our lives?

Isaiah 55:8-9 says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” 

Recently, a friend wrote me and asked..."How do we know if we are following God's plan for our lives? How do we get back on track? How do we know if we are being disobedient, inadvertently?

Ever ask yourself these questions? Ever wonder if you are following God’s steps or meandering on your own quest? I know I sure have.

Hearing God's voice can be difficult, but be encouraged...God has a way of getting His purpose and will across. Consider the burning bush and Moses... The prophet Nathan and David ... or the star and wise men.

In our journey of faith, God simply calls us to surrender and respond when He speaks:

• First and foremost, God demands our Surrender. Surrender our time. Surrender our heart. Surrender... Surrender... Surrender! When we feel anxious we need to stop and ask, "Have I picked up the responsibility to "accomplish", "succeed", or "own God's mission"? In other words, are we relying on our abilities or God's? Surrender is never achieved instantaneously; it's a lifelong process.
• Second, God calls us to respond with steps of obedience. When God speaks...you'll know it. Don't second guess it; simply check it with His Character and Word. If it lines up...trust it! The wise men followed the star. David repented when Nathan said, "Thou art the man!" Moses took off His sandals and listened intently. What has God spoken? What grips our heart, emotions, and compels our obedience?

So, “how do we know if we are following God's plan for our lives? How do we get back on track? How do we know if we are being disobedient, inadvertently?”

Well, I won't pretend to have ALL the answers, because I don't. But, here are three helpful hints to discerning our voice from God’s:

1. We accurately discern our thoughts, feelings, or impressions by comparing them with the truth of Christ’s character.

2. By judging the tone of the message, remembering that: God’s Voice Redeems—It Doesn’t Condemn, God’s voice encourages— It Doesn’t Tear Down, God’s Voice Directs—It Doesn’t Confuse, God’s Voice Communicates Peace—It Doesn’t Leave us Fearful.

3. And, by testing the message with Scripture.

Finally, in answer to my friend's question: I believe the only way we identify God’s voice from our own is through our relationship with Him. There are no short cuts! Time spent in His presence, reading His Word, and listening for His voice is vital to recognizing Him when He speaks. The more we read His word, the more we understand His character. The more we acknowledge and experience His character, the easier we recognize His voice. The more we experience His voice the easier we discern it from our own.

Hope these hints were helpful. I would love to hear your thoughts too. Feel free to leave your comments below.