How do you know it's Him?

Painted pumpkins for the grandkids!

Over the years we have had one question asked repeatedly and the past 3 nights God has put it on my heart to write about that question.

"How do you know it's from God?"

Many times I have mentioned that God told me this or God told me that. For some, that might be confusing. Hopefully I can add a bit of clarity -- from my perspective anyway.

I admit that I have not audibly heard the voice of God. I hear it through others and through my own heart.

Examples:

When we first decided to go into disaster ministry we had the idea and that was the only thing we had. As soon as we made the decision to go for it my brother loaned us a camper trailer, a truck to pull it was donated to us from a local church and with those two things we knew God was affirming our obedience to His calling.

When we arrived in Mississippi we wondered how we would find the people to help. No problem -- God brought them to us. Yes, some of them drove right into the church parking lot where we were parked -- asking for help. Another affirmation.

Once we had the homes, how do we fund the rebuilding that needs done? Once again, God not only sent us the volunteers but He provided them with hearts and pockets that were deep enough to make it happen, week after week.

Over the years we saw so many miracles and if you have been reading for awhile -- you've read about them. When doubting Thomas said he had to see to believe --- we've seen so many times that belief just comes!

When we decided to come home for some "rest" time this June --- all from God. The timing was directly from him -- the first of June. And guess what -- things and homeowners and homes just "fell" into place at that exact time!

Then came the decisions of how long to stay and what next? Once again God spoke -- very plainly.

We were seriously thinking of returning to Texas. They had asked us and it was a thought. But the more we thought about it the more "things" just didn't line up. Trucks were not selling and just nothing was working like it had in the past.

Then God . . . it was very clear that we were not to return to Texas. We made the call to let them know and guess what --- within a few days we were told that they were closing the entire relief effort due to lack of funding! All the time we were thinking we were supposed to "go" and all along we were supposed to "stay."

Stay? And what will we do? Well, LOTS of folks here need help with LOTS of things. Yesterday we mowed and raked and took care of leaves for 3 of our neighbors. Monty has been here and there with this and that.

And then God spoke again -- start a missions training school while you are home? What an idea! What a great idea! We talked about it and made the decision to not ever argue with God as He always wins! :) And within 48 hours from making that decision and putting things in motion BOTH trucks sold! Affirmation in a big way! Really big!

So, you see --- God has everything all planned out. The ONLY thing we need to do is be obedient when He speaks and asks something of us. His direction will never steer us wrong. In His will there is not confusion, turmoil, dread, panic, fear, etc.

As soon as we made the decision to start the school both Monty and I felt a sense of peace that we have not had since we arrived back home! It permeated our entire bodies! We knew!

You will know! You will feel that sense of peace. You don't have to have it all figured and all planned out. Just be obedient and say "yes" and let Him take care of the rest. He will give you all that you need -- He promises! And He keeps His promises!

What does He have in store for us next? I don't know. I'm not worried. I DO know it will be awesome, amazing and a blessing!

Until next time . . . what is He saying to you? Susan and Monty