How do you know when God speaks to you?

[Golden_Griff]

I know God speaks to us in various ways, but there are some people that aren't able to recognize His voice. Well, I'm one of those people. I don't know when God is speaking to me and when it's just some thinking of my own.

I bring this up because, well, I'll be back in school shortly. I'm thinking about taking some courses outside of my major (not necessarily a minor, just want to gain some knowledge of stuff). But I don't want to waste time, money, and energy like I did my first year and a half in education (gosh I regret taking those stupid education courses! ) The whole time I was enrolled in an Art Education program I knew that I did not want to teach; I was only doing it to keep myself in school via special scholarships. Anyway, that whole story is in the testimonies section under "Academic Blessings" if you care to read more about that.

I've always been interested in computers (well for the games anyway ) and I always wanted to have the capability of programming my own games; actually, I have dreams of working in the gaming industry but I'm not so sure if that will happen. But I don't want to get started on another subject just to find out a year and a half later that it won't work.

Another concern is whether or not I'll be able to handle another class this semester. I want to make a move but I need approval from God to make sure this is right to me.

[bakura_fan]

This is indeed a hard thing to understand. In truth I'm not sure I fully grasp this concept. Hopefully someone on here can be more of a help to you than I am. I'm sorry I couldn't help you.

[Link Antilles]

I know God speaks to us in various ways, but there are some people that aren't able to recognize His voice. Well, I'm one of those people. I don't know when God is speaking to me and when it's just some thinking of my own.

For myself, I dunno how to explain it.... guess, you say... it's like a peaceful thought tugging at you to follow a path and followed up by a series of subtle events... like God's going "hint hint" until my slow self realizes what I should do. Well, that's me and maybe a bad way to explain it.... maybe that will help you a tiny bit... I hope.


[quote]I've always been interested in computers (well for the games anyway ) and I always wanted to have the capability of programming my own games]

Well, I can say from personal experience in programming isn't a fun thing, to me. Yes, I did find it interesting, but tedious.... it didn't hold my attention for long hours... (self taught in the basics of VB6, C++, and Java)

Personally, I'd recommend something in Writing (for game stories) or Art (concept ideas, character design, graphic design, and such.), if you’re skilled in either. Cause in both of these fields; you have more interesting fallback jobs if you can't get into the gaming industry or lose interest in that pursuit. And in programming, the fallbacks aren't as interesting.

Also, if you ever look at something (like a book, game, anything) and say, “you know, I could do a better jobâ€

[Ashley]

I struggle with this very thing too!

Ihave been told, however, (by people I personally admire in the faith) that God speaks to us in three ways: through His word, through His servants and through communion/prayer. His word would obviously be the bible--the more time you spend in it, the more clear you should be able to recognize the Lord's voice and distinguish it from yours because you'll be able to recognize the certain qualities it has. Through His servants most often in my life means confirmation: for example, if I'm really struggling with a decision, and a youth leader comes to me and tells me something that reaffirms what I think God is telling me without me even speaking to them, obviously that's from the Lord. Sometimes it's just them repeating a scripture I read that morning--then I know I really should focus on that scripture and glean some meaning from it. Lastly, but foremost in our Lord's communication tools, is through prayer. At least in my own life, I never get a direct voice from heaven telling me what to do, but I do get a stirring in my heart while praying.

Another thing is, if you think you're being told to do something, don't be afraid to ask for reaffirmation from God. He knows we're human and we just want to serve Him the best we can--I think He will honor a heart that wants to be sure to serve Him completely by understanding more clearly His will.

Also, test the message--does it align with God's character? Would it make you more or less loving, gentle, kind (go down the list of spiritual gifts here)? Would you be sinning if you did it? Would it put someone before yourself? Would it get you out of your comfort zone? I think by asking these questions, you can more clearly asses if its yourself (whom is naturally given to answer *no* to these questions or given to sin) speaking or the Lord (who, obviously, will answer *yes* to them, save the sin one).

One last thought--I'm not saying those are the ONLY ways God will speak to you. Certainly not. We serve a wonderful, almighty, creative God who will speak to us exactly how we need to hear--be it a burning bush, a bright light, dreams, or the quiet whisper of the heart. I just think these are the three most common in this day and age, that's all.

I hope that helps!

[Swordguy]

the still small voice that giudes us. not allway easy to dicernce from the busyness going on inside of our heads. i dson't know how i know when it is the Lord and not me. but for the most part i do (ehich doesn't help you one bit). but most of the time when it is the Lord he will back it up a few time in other ways. and always cheek the bible too.

[JediSonic]

Ashley said some good stuff, and just to put a label on teh topic:
It's called "Discernment".

And yeah its pretty tricky I often times wonder about who it really is that i'm hearing in my head... and usually I decide that it was my head talking to itself the whole time

I'm self-taught in programming like Link A. and I'm livin proof that you dont need take classes to make a few crappy games And hopefully when starsheep is finished it'll be proof I can make non-crappy games too!

[Heart of Sword]

I can just tell...I don't know. I'm very spiritually aware.

[Golden_Griff]

Yeah, the Bible is good to go by if you need to know whether something is in accordance to God's Will, but since computer programming isn't mentioned anywhere ...

Hmm...well, from what I'm thinking right now prayer for re-af-fir-ma-tion ( ) is one of the best things I can do until I can see/hear what God says from other sources. Thanks for all your help everyone.

Well, I can say from personal experience in programming isn't a fun thing, to me. Yes, I did find it interesting, but tedious.... it didn't hold my attention for long hours... (self taught in the basics of VB6, C++, and Java)

Personally, I'd recommend something in Writing (for game stories) or Art (concept ideas, character design, graphic design, and such.), if you’re skilled in either. Cause in both of these fields]

Link, I don't believe my advisors would even know what game design/programming is (I'm attending a regular college, no special art school or anything). The last thing I remember anyone telling me was to go to an art school after I leave.

What maybe something to look in? (in reference to the "I can do better" response)? Yes, I've played plenty of games where I think "they should have done this" and "this game would have been so much better is they added this."

I'm self-taught in programming like Link A. and I'm livin proof that you dont need take classes to make a few crappy games And hopefully when starsheep is finished it'll be proof I can make non-crappy games too!

Well, I purchased one of those "teach-yourself-game-programming" books a few years back; I can't remember whether it's because I totally didn't have the right system requirements to maximize the use of the CD or I just didn't have the patience to read through a book like that If I find it I think I'll try it again on my brother's fairly new comp. Even if my games are equal or less than NES quality I'll be satisfied

Well, after what StarSheep and Link A have said I think I'll pass up the computer course at least for now.

[Kat Walker]

If God has a will for you, I wouldn't be duly worried about analyzing every possible little sign...if He wants something to happen, it's GOING TO HAPPEN. I for one find it easier to notice God's hand in my life in retrospect....when I have time to sit back and think about all those things that just fell into place. Prayers that were suddenly answered when I had long given up hope. Unexpected events that suddenly make a big difference in my life, but end up being the best thing that could happen at the time.

Go about life being open to God's will rather than trying to read His mind or asking for divine messages. Rejoice when things are looking difficult or unsure...that means God wants to make you into something better than you are today.

[Link Antilles]

Link, I don't believe my advisors would even know what game design/programming is (I'm attending a regular college, no special art school or anything). The last thing I remember anyone telling me was to go to an art school after I leave.

Figured they probably wouldn't... but, might be worth a shot. Yet, I'm attending a tech. specialized college.

What maybe something to look in? (in reference to the "I can do better" response) Yes, I've played plenty of games where I think "they should have done this" and "this game would have been so much better is they added this."

Just an idea I had: What about a pursuit in video game reviews for website, magazines, and all? It’d be nice for the gaming industry to get a wider variety of female takes and feedback on current games. If you want, you could practice this job on the side... in fact CAA's working on a Video Game review section... could take a shot at it there, perhaps?

Anyways, in reference of "I can do better"

Hmmm... the thing is... do you think your collection of personal skills, gifts, and interests can help you to create something entirely better? From scratch, make it come together? Or work as a team with others to do so? Would it keep you’re interest?

Sit back and map out all the things you like to do... and ask these questions. Sorry, I'm kinda’ dry on examples at the moment… very sleepy right now.


As for the gaming industry though.... think about the parts that make a game and which would fit you... like advertising, voice acting, story design, animation, art.... it's like making a movie nowadays..

Did I answer your question or help any? Sorry, I'm kinda tired -_- zzz zzz

[Golden_Griff]

If God has a will for you, I wouldn't be duly worried about analyzing every possible little sign...if He wants something to happen, it's GOING TO HAPPEN. I for one find it easier to notice God's hand in my life in retrospect....when I have time to sit back and think about all those things that just fell into place. Prayers that were suddenly answered when I had long given up hope. Unexpected events that suddenly make a big difference in my life, but end up being the best thing that could happen at the time.

Yeah, if it's God's will things are going to happen regardless. Oh man, the unexpected events and answered prayers...I can definitely testify to that.

Figured they probably wouldn't... but, might be worth a shot. Yet, I'm attending a tech. specialized college.

Just an idea I had: What about a pursuit in video game reviews for website, magazines, and all? It’d be nice for the gaming industry to get a wider variety of female takes and feedback on current games. If you want, you could practice this job on the side... in fact CAA's working on a Video Game review section... could take a shot at it there, perhaps?

Oh, you're talking about writing reviews. Okay I get it :thumbs: Hmm...I'm not much of a journalist but that sounds like an interesting thing to do.

Anyways, in reference of "I can do better"

Hmmm... the thing is... do you think your collection of personal skills, gifts, and interests can help you to create something entirely better? From scratch, make it come together? Or work as a team with others to do so? Would it keep you’re interest?

Sit back and map out all the things you like to do... and ask these questions. Sorry, I'm kinda’ dry on examples at the moment… very sleepy right now.

Yes, those are some questions that I ask myself sometimes. Perhaps I should look more into the answers I give...

As for the gaming industry though.... think about the parts that make a game and which would fit you... like advertising, voice acting, story design, animation, art.... it's like making a movie nowadays..

Did I answer your question or help any? Sorry, I'm kinda tired -_- zzz zzz

Lol, yes you're a big help Thanks.

[Jaltus-bot]

Hi,

It sounds like you are especially wondering in regards to majors?

I am the queen of major indecisiveness, but I know that I should be an economics major.* I don't want to work in exactly what I major in necessarily. I was doing some research on what you can do with economics and what is required for a degree in it and it just sort of struck me. I can work in business with it, but I could also do other things. I could take classes in areas that interest me, that I want to know about, in things that I care about and in things that I have been told that I am good at. I looked at the classes, a book on managerial economics that I could see taking more than just a couple of classes in, there are a couple of different ways that I could go with it. It just sort of struck me as I was thinking about it while brushing my teeth the night after I mentioned it to my dad, there was just this certainty that it's what I am supposed to major in.

I decided that I want to work in business partly because of my experience as an officer in a business club and I like working where I interact with people and it's fun to dress up and pretend to be all professional. General education classes as well as clubs are a great way to get a little more experience in an area. Take a couple of classes, consider your strength and weaknesses, and consider what options there are to get where you want to be. Maybe a minor would be a good thing help you get there, if it really covers an important aspect of what you want.

The best advice I could give after my rambling post is do what will truly give you peace. If God wants you to major in something, you can do it. If you know God wants you to major in something, you'll know you can do it. If something would give you joy and you would have peace about the decision to study something, seriously consider it. God gives us each a passion or just this desire to work with/in something for a reason.

For me, one of my greatest challenges is how to apply it.

*After I get an associate in business and office technology. This is a good thing because I could use the sense of accomplishment. I never even saw a D before this winter quarter. : sniffle: Biometrics (bio-statistics) was mildly academically traumatic. I don't belong on the quarter system there like that right now. I'm not afraid of economics. I think that is a big thing for me. I'm not afraid that I can't do it.

[Momus]

I see alot of people saying, whatever God's will is, it'll happen. NOT NECESSARILY! I mean, yes, in matters outside of human decision, but He's already said He's not going to take away free will, so you have to make the decision for yourself. We are born having eaten from the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil, so we have concience from birth (its just after being saved that you have motivation to follow it). In cases where it's not obvious what is good or bad, God wants you to be happy. I mean, Art Education isn't evil, but if something else makes you happier, do it. Just make sure you can serve God through it. I'm sure if you wrote storylines, or worked with games other ways, you could work for God. You can discern God's will just by what YOU know is good. If God is truly inside you, then you've got a built in compass(a bit repetitive...). Other than that, do what makes you happy, gives you peace.

[Golden_Griff]

*continues to listen attentively*

[b0redx3]

Hmm.. alot of people said some amazing things! =D

Well for me i "hear" God when He shouts, so i can hear it crisp clear! lol..
actually the only way i can find out what God wants me to do is the path i'm heading to already. It feels like i'm blindly walking to a path but God is the one doing the pushing forward kind of thing. Since i'm walking blindly, i really don't know what's ahead of me. i have a very hard time on what i should do/shouldn't do. I'm afraid the thing i'm doing now is what He perfers for me not to do. The only thing left for us to do is pray.. believe that He'll answer you, and He will surprise you.. ;]
Besides, God doesn't want you to do something you don't like to do. He wants you to be HAPPY! So head for what you want to do, pray, and let Jesus be in control.

[Grumpy]

Well with me it feels more like a hunch when i pray about something. Like if i pray about doing something i pray about it and get a Hunch about it. That's just me and it sounds weird It's hard to explain without being me.

It's like Grump get up and do this sometimes. Sometimes it's a really faint thought in the back of my head. It varies differentlly for everyone. I highly recommend Fasting when you are praying hard about something.

[Momus]

It's a conviction you get, you suddenly feel that you SHOULD do something, whether it be general or specific. a teacher once tried to explain this and sadi, he once was at a post office, and suddenly felt that it would be the right thing to do to write a thank you note to the person at the desk. he didnt want to, it would have been embarrassing, but he did it anyway, on a napkin, just said thank you. He then got a feeling of peace, that warm fuzzy feeling you get from God when u do something good.that was specific, but sometimes, its like it would seem RIGHT to be friendly today, or to be nice, or something like that. God's voice isnt actually that difficult, you just have to be willing to follow.