Get Ready to Hear God—And 3 Things to Watch Out For

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We are entering into a time in which God is speaking to us more clearly over the next few months.

This October through December we can expect to get deeper revelation about our callings, and about new assignments coming from Heaven. This is an exciting time, but it can bring some challenges as well.

When God speaks

There are some things that we need to be careful of when it comes to hearing God. Here are 3 things that we need to watch out for:

1. No response
Not responding to, or not valuing, God’s prophetic words to us can cause us to not hear His voice. God can speak to us—but we need to write it down and pray about it to understand what is being spoken.

2. Misinterpreting
Misinterpreting—this is a big one for those who are learning to discern. God’s ways are often different than ours, and the prophetic ministry is designed to help us grow and mature. It requires us to understand how to test a prophetic word and learn to interpret it.

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3. Over-responding
Sometimes we can fall into the trap of not understanding the timing of a prophetic word. We need to be careful not to respond too soon or at a greater level than what God is saying. Oftentimes, we can get overly excited and try to step out in faith and make major decisions based on a small amount of revelation.

Bringing balance

Here are a few things to consider when God speaks to you:
• Does it line up with the Bible?
• Has God spoken something similar to you before?
• How does it feel in your spirit?
• Does it hit you in a positive or a negative way?

Sometimes God is calling you to change, and it will feel different than it has before. Be open about an initial reaction you may have, whether positive or negative, because when we are resistant to change we may react negatively at first. What will help is if you focus on discerning from your spirit, not based on how your mind feels about it.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:19–22 NIV, Paul says, “Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.”

I think there is a misunderstanding these days about how to judge a prophetic word. It tends to be thought of as a negative thing as opposed to objectively looking at the prophetic word and weighing it out. “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” Hebrews 5:14 NIV

It takes practice to learn to discern God’s voice. Training and instruction, from others who are mature in hearing God, will help too.

Activating your prophetic word

When God speaks to us we need to write it down, pray about it and test the word. Once we determine that yes, this is a prophetic word from God—then there are things you can do now to help activate it in your life. These can be small steps like research, reading a book or taking a class on what God is calling you to do.

We do not have to over respond or buy something expensive before the right time. Here is an example of how I have activated prophetic words in my life:

I received several prophetic words years ago about God using me in the area of dream interpretation. So, I did some research, read some books and found a ministry that offered training on it. I took the courses, and then once I knew for sure this was what God was calling me to—I went further.

I made extensive notes on dream interpretation and contacted the ministry I had received the training from. I made a list of questions, and was humble about making some recommendations on how they could develop an Internet based follow-up program to help their students. They, then, offered me a job to implement the program I had suggested, and over a 3-year period I was moved into full-time dream interpretation ministry.

I hope this helps you to grow in your ability to hear God—and to bring balance in how to discern and respond. Get ready for more, as God is about to speak to you in greater ways!

And for even more on this and on how to activate prophetic words over your life, check out my brand new book, God Spoke, Now What?—available now!

Blessings,

doug-sig

Doug Addison
DougAddison.com

Doug Addison is a prophetic speaker, author and coach. He is known for his Daily Prophetic Words, Spirit Connection webcast, podcast, and blog. Doug’s message of love, hope and having fun reaches people around the world! His powerfully, positively funny style of teaching and coaching helps open people to discover their destiny and experience God’s supernatural love and power. He and his wife Linda live in Los Angeles, California where he is impacting the arts and entertainment and media industries.

Doug Addison

Doug Addison is the founder and president of InLight Connection. Doug is a prophetic speaker, author and coach. He is best known for his Daily Prophetic Words and Spirit Connection podcast and blog. Doug’s message of love, hope and acceptance reaches people around the world! His powerful, lighthearted style of teaching and coaching helps open people to discover their spiritual identity and personal destiny as they experience God’s supernatural love and power. He and his wife Linda live in Los Angeles, California where they are impacting the arts and entertainment and media industries.

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    • Valerie
    • September 23, 2016
    Reply

    Ive just recently got this book & its very informational & im being blessed by it, THANK u & God bless u. How wld I get more information on dream interpretation & learning how to utilize or if that is one of my callings? I believe it is & would love any guidance & direction on how to learn & huger it activated? Thx in advance for your assistance & pray u have blessed one!

    • gail manfre
    • September 22, 2016
    Reply

    How come I am not allowed to print out his messages.
    also I am on the email but when I tried to contact you it says I am not on it.

  1. Reply

    My name is Felicity Huhlwane from South Africa. I am looking for a job. I don’t have money to buy food for my family. I have applied for a new job. I don’t get it. I am a mother and have to look after my mother. I need a job so I can take care of my family. I am a Christian.

      • Theresa
      • September 24, 2016
      Reply

      Father I lift up Felicity and her family to you Lord. She cares for many and has the need for your supernatural intervention in her life. Food for the family and the strength to take care of her mother and children Lord. Felicity seeks employment at this time and has been unsuccessful but Father I stand in agreement with you over her life, that You God shall supply all her needs according to Your riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Father we don’t have to worry because all provision comes from you and Lord I stand in agreement with her that you are almighty God, the almighty provider and that you know our needs before we even ask. Father I ask that you use this to draw her closer to you and let her see how much you love her and her family Lord, gather those around her that can lift her up and help her Lord. Father we are living in the Kingdom age and I ask that you bring the fulfillment of her need on Earth as it is in heaven, in the mighty name of Jesus! I thank you Father that you have heard our prayer, I thank you Father that you do provide everything for us. I love you Lord and I love my sister in Christ.

      • Reply

        Amen ! Praying for you and your family, that the Father will meet all your needs, Felicity. That we His children, will all grow in trusting Him !

    • Reply

      Hi Felicity, are you asking for prayer? Doug doesn’t have the staff or time to pray for every prayer request that is sent in to him. He wishes he did! Blessing you to connect with a local or internet prayer ministry who can lift you ip in prayer.

      Pam

    • Rick M
    • September 22, 2016
    Reply

    Thank you for all the prophetic words in to my life they all are lining up !! I put my trust all in him ??????thank you JESUS ????????

    • Kristi Van Voorst
    • September 22, 2016
    Reply

    Thanks Doug. Truly hearing Gods voice and knowing that is indeed him is something I strive for. I pray often that my desire to make sure what I hear is from him, does not make me slow to take up his word. I love that God has so much love and grace for his children.

    • linda Griffin
    • September 22, 2016
    Reply

    Doug,
    Thank you so much for all your daily words , teachings, monthly broadcasts, etc . I am learning so much from your ministry. I just now have started your 365 Hearing God School of ministry….love love. I only wish I lived closer to all your meetings etc…in person to sit under you and your teachings. Dreams have been a tough area for me to understand so far.

    Sincerely,
    Linda

    • Colleen Lynch
    • September 22, 2016
    Reply

    Hi Doug
    Wow your daily prophetic words really confirm what God is doing iny life. I look forward for this every day .God has call me and I am being coach. Keep the good work up
    The blessing of Lord be on you your ministry and family.

    Blessings
    Colleen
    Blessings
    Colleen.

    • Denise T
    • September 22, 2016
    Reply

    Thanks Doug ,for that!God bless you,truly a Word in Season!

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