Does this matter? Why? Do you ask yourself that question? Often? Answer: (in my world of definitions) If the Holy Spirit is active in your life… active not just resides, then the answer to the question is – yes. If you are led by the Spirit, if He has a ‘voice’ in your life then whether or not it’s you or the Lord… it is. Remember too… it really is fine with the Lord if you ask Him for confirmation. He knows that you aren’t arguing or doubting Him – you are asking for reassurance because you don’t always trust your hearing.
“Beloved, if our heart does not convict us [of guilt], we have confidence [complete assurance and boldness] before God; and we receive from Him whatever we ask because we [carefully and consistently] keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight [habitually seeking to follow His plan for us].” (1 John 3:21-22, AMP)
These verses give us some ‘tests’ to prove the origin of our question. IF our heart doesn’t convict us is one test. Proverbs (4) tells us that our heart holds the springs of life. From a teaching by Pastor Robert Morris, he provides a foundation for us to consider whether it’s only you or the Lord. Fortunately, there are confirmations to judge – the main source is the Word. Another confirmation is counsel. You, yourself – do you have peace or a check?
When you need to ‘verify’ the source of your assignment/next step/etc. what can you do? Scripture does provide the answer:
- Test the spirits – 1 John 4:1-6 give us ample information about how to do this and what all is available for us to combat any attempted seduction or temptation from the devil. We will not be deceived… nor will we be led astray.
- Holy Spirit. I really can’t emphasize this point sufficiently… it is crucial for confidence to exist. Develop an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit. Remember Jesus said He would ask the Father to send another helper for us [John 4:15-17 – read this verse in the Amplified Bible to see all the roles delineated]. That helper is the Holy Spirit. And just consider all the roles He operates in our lives when we are submitted to Him. Remember too that He is part of the Triune God – His intentions are only for our best. Some verses (only a brief sampling) that will inform and strengthen your understanding about the Holy Spirit are: 1 Corinthians 12:13, Ephesians 1:13-14, John 14:26, Romans 8:26.
1 Corinthians 2: 8-13 contains one of my favorite descriptions and actions of the Holy Spirit
“Things which the eye has not seen and the ear has not heard, And which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him [who hold Him in affectionate reverence, who obey Him, and who gratefully recognize the benefits that He has bestowed]” [v. 9, quoting Isaiah]
[The result:\ For God has unveiled them and revealed them to us through the [Holy’ Spirit, for the Spirit searches all things (diligently), even (sounding and measuring) the )profound) depths of God [the divine counsels and things far beyond human understanding]. [v. 18]
You don’t need any other basis to judge. This will give you everything you need to be confident that even if it is you… it is the Lord. If what you are asked to do is edifying, exalting the Lord, and equipping those He has put in your path to touch… it is from Him. If you don’t feel confident, then in faith, take a step – you will discover that everything you need is provided and you can do what’s asked. However, if what’s seems to be asked doesn’t meet these confirmations, place whatever it is far from you and remind the devil that he has no place in you. There is absolutely no reason to doubt… just discover the source.
