In the Book of Revelation, God emphasised different things to each of the seven churches, because they each had a different assignment and faced different challenges. It’s important to read good books and articles and listen to good mentors and teachers, but however solid their advice is, you mustn’t assume that what God has told them is also a personal message for you. There are times when you need to hear from Him for yourself. It’s fine to take advice from other people, but before making a move, always get confirmation from God first. When someone shares a word or a message from Him, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s applicable to everyone who hears it. He may be saying to one person, ‘Go ahead and take the next step now,’ but to the next person, He’s saying, ‘Wait, not yet.’ That’s why it’s vital to use discernment, testing what you’ve heard and checking with God. His blessing on what you’re doing depends on you being where He wants you to be, and doing what He wants you to do, and you must get the plan for your life directly from Him. Paul wrote, ‘We will boast only about what has happened within the boundaries of the work God has given us’ (2 Corinthians 10:13 NLT). You might like the sound of someone else’s task better than your own, but taking on someone else’s purpose is never going to be as effective or successful for you, and you’ll never reach the full potential that God can see in you. If you find you’re in the wrong place, doing the wrong thing, don’t let pride or embarrassment keep you there. Pray, ‘What do you want your servant to do?’ Then, do it!

What Now?

Next time you listen to a talk from a preacher or read an article from a Bible teacher, ask God to help you discern if there are any parts that you must take as a personal message from Him and need to act on.