When God Speaks Personally: A Testimony

Originally written in 2013, but a reminder that never gets old

We hear God speak through worship services and Scripture reading, but have you ever longed for Him to speak directly to your heart? I found myself in that very place several years ago, yearning for a more personal connection with the Lord. Not that He had never talked to me before, but I wanted to hear from Him now.

A Simple Prayer

One day, I brought this desire before God in prayer. I told Him that if He had anything He wanted to tell me personally, I asked that He would help me recognize His voice when He spoke. It was a simple, honest prayer from a heart that wanted to draw closer to Him.

The Gentle Conviction

A few weeks later, during a church service, an unexpected thought crossed my mind about a new activity I had been enjoying. Suddenly, I felt a gentle but clear impression that this activity wasn't good for me. I couldn't understand why: it didn't seem sinful by my standards, and I genuinely enjoyed it.

After the service, I went home and the impression faded from my mind. But the following Sunday, the same thought returned during worship. This time, I remembered the previous week's experience and began to pay attention. I started to realize this might be God speaking to me about something that wasn't pleasing to Him.

Seeking Confirmation

I decided to talk with my husband about it. He agreed that the activity might not be beneficial and pointed out that it was consuming a significant amount of my time. With his confirmation, I made the decision to give it up entirely.

Since I had gotten some friends interested in this same activity, I felt compelled to call them and share what God had shown me. I explained that I had decided to stop participating and why. To my amazement, they said they would do the same.

The Beautiful Realization: God Speaks to Me!

Then it hit me: I remembered my prayer from weeks earlier about wanting God to speak to me personally. Suddenly, I was filled with excitement! God HAD spoken to me! This was His personal message, meant specifically for me and my situation.

A Living God Who Guides

What a wonderful reminder that we serve a living God who cares about the details of our lives. He doesn't just speak to us through corporate worship and Scripture (though He certainly does that). He also desires to guide us personally, helping us live in ways that please Him.

Sometimes His voice comes as a gentle impression during worship. Sometimes it's confirmed through the wisdom of those we trust. And sometimes it impacts not just us, but those around us as we share what He's shown us.

I'm grateful for a God who hears our prayers and responds in His perfect timing and way. When we genuinely seek to hear from Him, He will find a way to speak to our hearts.

Have you experienced God speaking to you personally? I'd love to hear your story!