The Bible says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). While God assures us that He has a special plan for our life and it is for good, it’s not always easy figuring out where God is leading us. God may be trying to reach you to encourage you, guide you and lead you down a path of greatness. However, we may not always be able to hear what HE is saying to us. If you want to know if God is directing your down a certain path, it’s important that you pay attention to the signs. God will put things in front of you so that certain things will be revealed to you. Here are seven ways God gets our attention.
Talents
One big way God tries to get our attention is through our gifts and talents. The Bible says, “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith…” (Romans 12:6). People who are in touch with their God-given gifts are one step closer to understanding their larger function in the body of Christ and fulfilling their purpose on Earth. Look inward and reflect on your life experiences. Remember, you have those talents for a reason. Use them to glorify Him. Discovering your talents is a process that may require time and effort, but knowing your talent is necessary to achieving the life God intended for you.
Spiritual Walk
God often gets our attention through our spiritual walk, through our faith journey. This is why It’s imperative that you take your spiritual walk seriously. The Bible says, “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). Many of us seek God when we are in situations of need. While this is ok, imagine a relationship where we didn’t focus our attention on what God could gives us, but how we could give back to glorify God. What a beautifully profound relationship that would be. Pay attention to the signs God may be revealing to you on your spiritual walk.
Passions
Another big way that God tries to get out attention is through our passions, the very things we love. Scripture says, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21). By definition, passion is ambition that is materialized into action. Many people don’t realize how natural passion is. Sometimes, it’s so subtle that you overlook it when it’s staring right at you. Reflect on situations that have brought you excitement and joy, where you’ve been able to help others effortlessly. The beauty of passion is that it’s visible to us. When our passion is ignited, it can influence the people around you and help you better serve the Kingdom of God.
Helping Others
One of the greatest things God calls us to do is give back for the sake of others. Often, God will get our attention through the very act of giving back. First Peter 4:10 says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” Matthew 22 also mentions, Jesus gives us two commandments that summarize the laws and commands in Scripture, one being to love your neighbor as yourself –a kind of love free of selfishness and expectation. When we use our blessings to help others, we are only advancing God’s kingdom and practicing the love God intended for the world to practice.
Goal Setting
Are you feeling called to do something that you were never called to before? Is there a goal you’ve had but you just haven’t completed it? Sometimes, God tries to get our attention through the goals we’ve planned. God wants each of us to set goals for ourselves and actively move towards them. The Bible says, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty” (Proverbs 21:5). Think about your goals and dreams for the future. If you read that, and thought: what goals and dreams? You need to take some time to sort out what you’re aiming for in life, so you can work towards the realization of your dreams.
Prayer
Scripture calls us to, “Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually” (1 Chronicles 16:11). Prayer is important, not only because it strengthens our relationship with God, but also because it is a place where God gets our attention. When you aren’t in a committed relationship with God and don’t value the importance of prayer, it’s easy to get distracted by everything going on in the world around you. When prayers aren’t answered the way we want them to be, the conversation easily goes from “we” to “me”. However, when you routinely pray, and listen to what God is saying, our focus shifts from the personal to the needs if others, and you’ll better understand what God is telling you.
His Voice
One of the greatest ways God gets our attention is through His voice. God wants to lead you to all the good things He has in store for you. When you’re having trouble hearing Him, it’s imperative to remember that He loves you and wants to be involved in even the smallest details of your life. John 3:16 is an great reminder of God’s love for us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life.” No matter how silent He seems, His love is incredible and it never ends, even when we can’t hear His voice.
Your life will be changed for the better when you can hear Him clearly and you know what He’s calling you to do. Even when you don’t know where God is leading you, you should understand that He is constantly leading your path. Even when you have trouble hearing Him, know that God is still speaking to you.
