Answers

Q:

I have a friend who's what I guess you'd call a serious Christian, and sometimes he'll say things like, "God has been talking to me" about something or, "God wants me to do" something. Did he actually hear God speak?


A:

I’m thankful for your friend’s faith, and I hope his example will help you understand what it means to have a personal, living relationship with Jesus Christ. Being a Christian is more than living a certain way or having a certain set of beliefs; it is a personal relationship with God.

When Christians say God has been talking to them about something, it simply means they have a strong inner conviction or feeling that God has made His will known to them. It may be about a major decision they’re facing or a small one — but they’ve sought God’s will about it, and they sense He is leading them. The Bible puts it this way: “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it'” (Isaiah 30:21).

Remember: God is concerned about every detail of our lives — and the reason is because He loves us and knows what is best for us. That’s why we can seek His will about every decision we face. How do we do that? We do it as we pray and ask Him to guide us. We do it also as we seek His will in the Bible, which is His Word. God never leads us to do anything that is contrary to what He has told us in the Bible.

My prayer is that you will turn to Jesus Christ and commit your life to Him. Then learn to walk with Him every day, just as your friend has.