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ORIGINAL: shurdell

I have read quite a lot of the answers and I would have to say that I agree with most everything because a few years ago I lost my husband to a brain tumor but we didn't know what it was until it was so severe, if a passing doctor had not seen him scan, I would have lost him in two days. He was flown out for an emergency operation but I was told it was terminal. I took care of him in the city as long as I could then moved him back home by my family for the last four months. I was at a total loss each day as his condition worsened steadily until I could not leave the house and the two sisters I had there would help watch him while I went shopping and other errands.
During this time, I was really new in actively seeking God but one day while he was at the hospital for my respite I dropped in to see how he was doing and in the TV room I noticed this pamphlet something like the Daily Bread and I asked the nurse who left them there. She said they weren't allowed to have them as it would offend other beliefs so I was free to take it and it was about 'Whisper of the Spirit' in communicating directly with God and there were others that I seemed to find in unusual places but they seemed to answer my questions that I didn't ask but would have I guess if I had known to ask.
From this book I was told by the Holy Spirit to 'Open The Door' and I in my naivety didn't understand which of course I now know, which means to pray ceaselessly.
My husband died in November of that year and went to be with the Lord.
After going through a morning period but at the time still seeking the Lord, I did a term on our local council and did not win a seat for the next term.
One night, as I do a lot of internet searching about God's teachings and I use my desktop bible for study, I was sitting at the computer and the Holy Spirit started speaking to me very clearly.
Since my husbands death, I was like a ship lost at sea. We had built a business together and I was quickly losing it. I had well known but just couldn't muster the spirit to go it alone. I had been telling God continuously that I didn't know what to do. I prayed that He would renew my spirit for the business but it just wasn't there.
One time I told Him that I would go into partnership with Him
It pained me to lose all that we had worked together for but the joy was gone.
When the Holy Spirit started speaking to me, He told me that He loved me.
I asked Him if it was really Him and He said that He had been with me for many years, which I knew especially since I called on Him when I was eleven years old and I have known His presence in my life at least since then through all that I put Him to task through.
He talked about bringing me through the fire and about my stint on council but He wanted me to work with Him on the business and that He wanted to start all new again.
He told me He wanted me to give away all my product in the store. To just open the doors and give it away. I was dubious to say the least.
He assured me it was Him and how much He loved me and that He was going to build me a nation.
I prayed to thank him for His promise to prosper me and for taking care of me and to building a nation.
He corrected me that "He was going to build ME a nation." Wow.
So I called our minister to see what they had to say as nothing like this has happened before and hoping they would reason me out of it but they were out of town.
So I prayed to God and asked that if it wasn't Him who asked me to do this that He would stop me on my way up there by having someone stop and actually have a conversation more than 'hello' on my way but no one stopped and as I got closer I said 'ok' God there isn't anyone on the street as the weather isn't too good so when I go to make the announcement on the cb radio (which we still use for common communication) then if He would either blow a fuse or something on the radio or cause a power outage (which is common in our area) so that my announcement doesn't go out, but it didn't happen and I made the announcement. I failed by not giving everything, just the groceries and didn't give the other more expensive items. When I got home I sat down and I asked Him if I did right. He sounded down and He said, "Sharon, I told you everything" So I agreed that the next day I would go back and give the rest. I still didn't do a great job as things got kind of hairy there and I still ended up with a few things.
This was just over two months ago. I have since cleaned up and painted the interior and now I am waiting on His word or action.
He has taken care of my needs. The food keeps pouring in and I haven't paid any bills since then but my needs are all taken care of.
I had an instance after that when I asked God what next and He told me to rest as I was tired and I was. While I was sitting at my computer I heard who I thought was God tell me to pack my suitcase. I jumped up and though oh no, I have to do my laundry and went to put a load in. When I sat back down I heard God say, "Sharon, I told you to rest, I am not a God of confusement."
The bible says, "My sheep know my voice" but I still cannot discern which or even my thoughts so I am continually asking. It would be better to know which because God speaks to us about many things including what is not in the bible. He has a sense of humor and He tells me how much He loves me and brings me back to portions of my life and I know this, He has a loving voice.
He also communicates in dreams and that is the hard one at times to discern the meanings.
There is so much more like radio programs that answer your problem or question or tv or a book, forum, internet site.
I had to assure everyone at church I hadn't gone bankrupt or crazy. ha-ha.
To-day I am going to town to buy groceries as they are hard to get here at a decent price and He said not to worry about my bills.
Faith of a mustard seed.
Will you come walk on the water with me?

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ORIGINAL: scottiezsister

I am working very, very hard to improve my faith in God. In doing so, I need help with learning when God is speaking to me. I kind of understand when it's Satan, but I have a bigger problem discerning when it's my own desires and when is God actually talking to me. This has always been a question in my mind and I don't have it yet (this is very frustrating at times). Can people tell me how they know when God is talking to them??? Does it come in a thought, do you actually hear words??? How does it work? How do you know it's HIM as opposed to your own voice???