How do you know it’s God’s voice?

Posted by admin in Blogs

Mar
28

Over the years people have asked me, “How do you know when God is guiding you and it’s not just your own will or voice?

About 40 years ago, I was led to a small book titled, “How God Guides Us” by Don Basham and it changed my life. I have been living by this principle for all these years and it has never failed me. When I don’t know if something is God’s will or my will, I simply pray, “God, open or close the door.”

Basham writes, “Closed doors are a viral part of guidance. When God closes a door, it’s because there is another plan, a better plan. If He closes the door, He’ll open another, according to His timing, not mine. I keep moving in faith, even in the face of closed door.”

Guidance comes when we move in faith, not when we sit in doubt. We step out in faith, trusting that if we make a mistake, God will correct it and get us back on the right track. I’ve made plenty of mistakes along the way, but I have always been protected and led back to where I need to be.

When I’m fearful about moving forward and not sure if I’m on the right path, I pray, “God close the door.” This makes me feel safe because I know one way or the other the door will be closed. I may not like it, but I trust there will be something better.

I stepped out in faith when I left my family, friends, home, community, and moved to Maui 7 years ago. I trusted God would close the door if it wasn’t meant to be. I just kept moving ahead and doors kept opening at the perfect and right time.

I am so grateful that I had the courage and willingness to follow my heart and my dream. I would not be living on the ocean with my beloved husband, Larry, if I hadn’t trusted God was leading me.

I shared in last week’s blog that my daughter, Mary, and grandson, Herbie, are staying with us for 6 weeks. We are excited to have them with us and are really enjoying one another’s company.

Several months ago, Mary found a B&B upcountry that had a beautiful pool and several hiking trails nearby. She decided to rent it for 10 days in the middle of her stay with us. Last month, she was notified that they had to remove the kitchen due to new laws just passed in Maui county. They offered to return her deposit if she wanted to cancel. Mary loves to cook and decided to cancel the B&B. Closed door!

Another door opened 2 weeks ago when Mary’s girlfriend told her that she and her family were vacationing in Oahu the same time as Mary was in Maui. Mary decided to rent a lovely cottage in Oahu and invited grandma to join them. It is 1 block away from her friend’s house and it has a heated pool and a two- minute walk to the ocean.

I love how when one door closes, another one opens. Oh happy day, a fun trip to another Hawaiian island with Mary and Herbie.