If you’ve ever heard people talk about following God or hearing from God and felt confused about what that meant, I can offer one small, real-life, recent example.
So a couple weeks ago my husband and I had a spat. I can’t remember what we argued about, but it felt serious at the time, and the result was me going to bed early and him staying up late to work on the computer.
The standoff began. The rules were clear: Ignore the other. Act like you don’t see the other. And of course, don’t break the silence!
In the bedroom, alone, I felt moved to pray. But how could I pray sincerely with a feeling of strife between us… and in my own heart? I could try to ignore him, but I couldn’t ignore God. I couldn’t pray as if nothing was wrong and then go to sleep.
Following God’s Lead
I prayed about what it means to love him in hard times. Here’s how it went in my heart…
Me to God:
Shouldn’t he be the one to step up and encourage us to reconcile? Shouldn’t he come in and say, “Come on honey, let’s talk” or “Let’s pray together” or even, “Let’s drop it.” Lord, help me to follow my husband in the right way.
God to me:
First, follow me.
Me to God:
But if I go in there first, he’ll think I’m weak and I’m giving in and he’ll just keep acting like this. He should be the first one to put down his pride and come in here. How am I suppose to follow if…
God to me:
Putting down your pride is following me.
Follow me.
I sat there, on pause. It’s a feeling of that’s the truth, so now what? I realized any move that ignored God (for example, going to bed as if I hadn’t heard) would not be good.
So I thanked the Lord for speaking his truth and love into my heart, prayed for courage to outweigh pride, and then went into the living room.
Me to God…
Yes, God. I will follow you.
And you know what? God protected my heart.
I didn’t go in to stir the pot. I went in to tell him I loved him, and even though we were having a rough patch, we’d get through it. And that was it. Over, done, hugs, kisses, happy.
While I can’t say every argument has ended so wonderfully in the past, I can say that God is good, and He points us in the right direction. We just have to follow Him.
What’s something you’ve heard God lead you to do? How did you know it was God?
Thanks for posting this types of nice articles.
You’re welcome Subu. This is our life, right? Thanks for your comment
I am having so much anxiety right now, because God told me it is time to leave my comfort zone. I am so scared it’s not even funny. I have been in my comfort zone now for nine years. So today I decided to fast and pray for guidance. Thank you for sharing your post.
When we’re called to leave our comfort zone it can definitely cause us to become anxious! I’m excited for you… God’s about to do something new. I hope it all went well.
I ‘be had similar experience of ‘listening to the still small voice ‘ of God regarding marital problems. I and my husband have been married for 20 years. We’re very different and in recent years he’s become more difficult to be with, and arguments happen quite regularly. Every time it happened, it felt like the whole world was falling apart, and there was no point in beings together any more. Thoughts of divorce would fill my mind. It felt truly terrible! I hated those moments. Lately God has been teaching me not to speak idly. Jesus only spoke what He heard the Father say so likewise, we should only speak when we know it’s edifying to the listener. Words matter. God created the world by His words. So when we have an argument now, i keep quiet (not adding to the damage), go to my bedroom and pray. God invariably speaks. The Scriptures come to mind. Once Jesus said to me: ‘Look to me’. I said ‘Lord I don’t want to show I’m weak towards my husband, but I’ll obey you and look to you only’. Then Jesus’ face will come up in my mind, with words like ‘ it’ll be ok, just leave it to me. ‘ I prayed Lord only you can change him and I entrust my husband to you. ‘ After that, things became better. My husband would come in and apologies – or say let’s make up or something like that. Learning not to speak when angry is really the key. Look to Jesus and listen to Him, and He will tell you what to do. Just obey when you hear Him. It’ll all be ok. Blessings.
Thank you so much! This is really encouraging, even reading again 3 years later. And it’s just as applicable today, so thank you. It’s amazing how God encourages us through one another. God bless you sister!
…by the way, listen to ‘I Look To You’ by Salah – it always makes me cry as it says it all. It’s all about looking to Him when things are tough.
Thanks for this Belinda! I can so relate because every time we would have an argument it felt like the end of the world to me. Now these things feel more like temporary trials — though still hard. I love what you wrote about not speaking idly and keeping quiet so as not to add to the damage. Keeping quiet also gives space for the other to feel the conviction of the Spirit…
Hi Jen….not only is keeping quiet important, replace our negative thoughts and words with the word of God. It really works as the word of God is active and has power. Our struggle is also not against flesh and blood, it’s against powers in the darkness around us – see Eph 6:12) .it’s not easy but replace your negative words with words of life – e.g. When we’re tempted to think or say ‘ I don’t know how we can get through this time’, say ‘ in our weakness, You are strong.’ Or ‘ we can do all things through Christ Jesus’. Meditation + declaration = manifestation. I’m still practising myself. Try it Jen. I look forward to hearing success stories from you.
Not only will I try this but I will pass it on to our bible study group since we’re doing a book on marriage right now. Love it. And this inspires me for some new post ideas 😉
faith to god and true to your self is the best weapon of life
I finally joined the church I been going to for months I feel the holy ghost the church rocks so many genuine brothers and sisters but when I went in front of all the people and they were all looking at me I felt a mess nervous even the pastor notice and but I feel at home at this church whats wrong I need some advise!!!!
You’re probably just feeling nervous being up there in front of everyone, there’s nothing wrong with that! lol But good for you stepping out like that. I did that too once, and I was shaking I was so nervous, but that’s also showing us that we’re all in! We’re putting our whole heart and soul into His hands, right there in the witness of everyone. There’s nothing wrong with you; you’re awesome. I’ll keep you in prayer… I hope you’re still loving our church and church family 🙂
hi i need to talk to god
God is a good listener. He’ll show us things in our hearts we could never have come up with ourselves. Praying that you hear from Him clearly 🙂