By Christine
I was wondering if anyone could describe what it's like to have a vision from God or receive a word from God.
I was once at a retreat and was praying and had a black and white picture that flashed across my mind as I was praying. The picture was very clear and vivid and came out of no where. I started crying because it was a picture of something I'd longed for but didn't know if I would receive in my life.
I've never had a vision before so I don't know if this counts. I don't know if it was me/my desires surfacing or God. I know I wasn't thinking of that picture while I was praying. I'd been praying about something completely different -- it just popped up out of no where into my conscious as I was praying. I can't remember if I felt peace but I remember just feeling so grateful and touched because I started crying.
Also, once I was praying and I definitely heard myself say "_____ _______". It was as if the words just wedged themselves between my words and came out from some place else. How can I be sure that these words were from God? It seems like it was pointing a direction for me in regards to a career path, but now I'm at a point where I feel stuck and if this was a direction, it's not happening for me. I had been praying with a sense of urgency or desperation but after I heard this, I felt peace. Yet nothing is coming together right now in my life to make this "vision" come pass. I feel like it's a piece of the puzzle and I don't know where to go to find the other pieces.
What is it like to receive a vision from God? Do visions from God look the same to all people, or does God talk to each of us in different ways? How can we know that something we've felt is from God? Is there somewhere in scripture that explains how to know for sure?
Recommend
Comments (22)
I'm very cautious about things like this. I believe they can happen and be from God but they can also just be a part of living.
What is it like to receive a vision from God?
Don't know. I've never received one and most Christians I know haven't either.
Do visions from God look the same to all people, or does God talk to each of us in different ways?
I think he speaks in different ways. For me, it's mainly through the bible.
How can we know that something we've felt is from God?
If it doesn't contradict the bible and comes to pass, then it could be from God. If it doesn't come to pass, then obviously it wasn't from God.
Is there somewhere in scripture that explains how to know for sure?
The bible says to prove God's will in Romans 12:2 and I Thessalonians 5:21 as stated in above answer.
Persons who have full faith in god, can say much more on this.
women church hats
Honestly, I do not think you had a vision. When God talked with the prophets and gave them visions He also identified Himself as God, the giver of the vision, and commanded the prophets what to do with the vision and who to tell the vision to, and then commanded the prophets to pass along the vision by having the prophet say, "This is what God commands." Visions are not ambiguous in origin or purpose.
Now, God does place good ideas in our heads and good urges and desires in our guts, but those are not the same thing as being given commands and visions.
Here is the beginning of a set of blogs on the subject that might be helpful (or maybe they will not): http://craigwbooth.xanga.com/724889918/knowing-god%e2%80%99s-will-in-advance-the-have%e2%80%99s-and-the-have-not%e2%80%99s/
Since God is the author of reality, a divine vision will most likely take place in reality. That is different then having a vision inside the mind because what happens inside the mind is by definition imaginary.
For example, we can think about our family, which is real, but we are using our imagination to accomplish that task. So what we are thinking is imaginary because it is happening inside the mind.
I had a vision once. It was real.
Natural elements of sky, sunlight, water vapor, shadow, space and time composed the vision in physical reality. And the vision went on for a long time. It wasn't just a flash that suddenly appeared and then disappeared.
Because visions are real, they seem natural and as such can be easily dismissed or disbelieved.
As a result faith is also integral to a vision otherwise it goes unnoticed or unappreciated or is soon forgotten.
Vision, no? But a prophetic word? Yes.
All I can say is you know in your heart if its true.
Seeking validation or confirmation from a site like this is asking for trouble, and opening the door for satan to put doubt in your mind. Do Not Let that happen.
Do you have someone you trust that is a mature Christian? (a pastor is usually a good option).. I would go to them and tell them what happened. They can pray with you and ask for discernment, and they might be able to give you confirmation.
I completely believe it was a small vision. Prophecy/visions/etc are ways that the Lord speaks to us, and it sounds like to me that God was giving you something to hold on to for your future. Visions are not the same for everyone, and God talks to people in all different types of ways. But I agree with musterion, is that anything God says will never, ever contradict scripture. God will never lead us into sin or unrighteousness. A lot of times when I hear from God, it comes with a lot of peace and He always confirms it by either having someone else tell me the same thing, or by showing me another verse that connects or something of the sort.
What is it like to receive a vision from God? Do visions from God look the same to all people, or does God talk to each of us in different ways? How can we know that something we've felt is from God? Is there somewhere in scripture that explains how to know for sure?
Visions do not look the same to all people, since Apostle Peter saw a sheet of animals in a trance, John saw the Judgement Day events unfolding before him, etc. I can assure you that according to testimonials and personal experience. Visions do not look the same to everyone.
God talks to each person in the ways he/she finds most comfortable with.
Prophets exist for this reason, they can help us validate and interpret our religious experiences. The reason why you are asking these questions here is because you are not in touch with any true Prophet from God. The ministry gifts in 1 Corinthians 12-14 and Ephesians 4:11-16 must still be in operation today according to the Holy Bible.
Through regular interaction with whoever contacts you (spirit), you can eventually ask him questions especially about the divinity and humanity of Jesus to test him. Just one vision won't be enough to make any conclusion, unless you consult a true Prophet of God. Try multiple Prophets and Prophetesses to learn of their perspectives.
I had been under the teaching for the longest time that God only spoke to someone through them reading the Bible. But upon reading it...LOL... I realized that the Lord speaks to people in all kinds of ways and to limit Him what you except from Him puts limits on your relationship with Him.
As you have mentioned the big issue is not IF He speaks to us- but How to know its Him. Here are a few things that can help.1) Realize that many things and influence or "speak" to you- including last night's pizza 2) The Lord never goes against the Bible or against His Holy, Pure & Loving character.3) Most of the time, if its from the Lord, you will know it. There is no doubt - "The Lord is not the author of confusion" So, if your Not sure- Ask Him. Ask Him to make it clear beyond a shadow of a doubt. If you get no response- its not from Him.4) Keep a short sin list before the Lord. Confess sins as soon as possible.5) Stay active in reading your Bible- it will help you keep in tune with how He deals with people and how He thinks and feels about things.
Having a relationship that allows you to "get" what He is "sending" is a lot like being married. My husband and I have been married for over 31 yrs and he can say just one word and just the right time and it tells me a whole bunch of stuff all at once and I know exacting what he is "saying." Kinda of like how an "inside joke" works, if ya get may meaning.
His word says "When you seek me, you will find me. When you seek me with your whole heart." He sometimes comes off rather stingy with giving you information at times but is because He wants you to learn it for your self. Like some teachers- they never give away an answer- they make ya work for it lol. the Lord can be like that sometimes.
Its called a narrow path for a reason. Its not always easy but it is worth it! And when it does... you will be in a major state of awe! :)Hope this helps! :)
How awesome! Its clear you are seeking God...and He is revealing to you who you are in Him. God would have us know ourselves, our deep desires, gifts, limitations...that is being authentic, aka Holy! As we seek Him, He is faithful to reveal Himself (and ourself) to us.
Here's a few things I keep in mind when hearing from God, but my encouragement is to RELAX. You may love Him and seek Him, but only b/c He first loved you. He is the one who calls, who transforms, who heals...and we merely need to be willing:
o A vision or word from God is encouraging (God is the giver of good gifts)
o Its aligned with God's word and character
o It will ultimately be revealed as true in reality (but as with God's promises to Abraham you may not see it even in your lifetime here on earth).
o It MAYbe confirmed by others, but not necessarily, but if you feel the need for that just ask HIM, He is merciful and gracious (consider Gideon the night before battle...God allowed Him to overhear the enemy's fears)
o And He totally speaks to each of us uniquely (after all He knows us better than we know ourselves)...so consider that when reading all the comments here (its so tempting to think we know God fully, based on our own experience...and He is totally a mystery so that can't possibly be true).
Have fun with God...He will lead you to let go of your worry and fear!! Our joy is God's glory!! Even invite your friends to seek God's face with you...and ask Him to allow you all to see what He's doing in your lives. I'm confident it'll be cool (and painful), and fun (and challenging), and totally revealing! And you will know yourself more fully than you ever imagined and see people totally transformed before your eyes...perhaps just by your presence (as God is revealed more and more fully in you)!!
Praise the living God!!
visions come in all sorts of ways and not all visions are the same
god talks to me thro muisc and also thro the bible
do u belive this was a vison was this vison somethn u wanted needed
god bless
God gave us the Bible which is the compendium of the words to the prophets and the culmination of Truth in Jesus. We don't need visions because we have the Bible.
@NightCometh@xanga - Nevertheless, visions, insights and interactions with heaven happen routinely to disciples.
@NightCometh@xanga -
Acts 2:17
New International Version (NIV)
17 “‘In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.A)'>
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,B)'>
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
@PrisonerxOfxLove@xanga - They did with the apostles. Do you see evidence that this continues?
@NightCometh@xanga - Yes, but it seems to me that God reveals Himself uniquely to each of us. Encourage you to not judge me, others, or your own journey. And encourage you to continue to ask for what you desire!
Here's a recent post of mine with links to just a few stories about God's supernatural power I've experienced.
@NightCometh@xanga - Revelation ended with the death of the last Apostle. But the glory of God unfolds in the life of each disciple if he or she lets it.
I interact with the saints in heaven regularly through prayer, I have insights that allow for a greater understanding of the Gospel and I have had a major, major vision (I don't think something like that comes more than once or twice in a life time though).
The Christian faith is a living faith.
@NightCometh@xanga - I think there was instruction to test the spirits because there is spiritual warfare going on, recall the armor of God. I guess you'd have to ask yourself if that warfare is currently taking place, and if so do you have a shield, sword, helmet...?
In the last days folks would be compared to clouds without rain, having a form of Godliness, but denying its power... I was raised in churches that had God so figured out, that they could seperate it all into compartments, and explain it, but looking back at that, I have to laugh, because God won't stay in those puny boxes of our limiting ideas.
I think if you were to believe that these were indeed the last days, then yes, these things are especially taking place now.
@PrisonerxOfxLove@xanga - I posted awhile back about what I saw, and I could only describe it as a vision. It happened once, and broadened my view of God and spiritual connectivity between us. There is power here, as much as it takes to toss mountains into the sea, but I don't ask for it, and I was surely never looking for this, as I was always taught that things like that were demonic, the devil. I would be very skeptical of folks who said they had a vision, no matter what their message because I was already prone to believe they had been deceived. I denied any possibility of God doing anything spectacular, or miraculous anymore. I now know otherwise.
@PrisonerxOfxLove@xanga - I wouldn't exactly call you a 'disciple' given your past track record on Xanga, Curtis.
I've heard people define different types of visions. "Open visions" are when you actually see, in the 'physical' realm, something that you know cannot be there, e.g. you're in a forest and then that fades away and you very clearly see a beach. Clearly this is not what you had.
Another type of "vision" would fit what you're describing. I do not recall any official term, but some Christians call it a "sanctified imagination". When I was more active in a particular stream of Christianity, I would get similar "visions" for other people and relay it to them. It was as if I was seeing something in my mind's eye that 1) didn't seem to be from me and 2) I couldn't get out of my mind until I shared it.
One model for understanding this, assuming I'm correctly understanding what happened to you, is that God/an angel/some spirit dropped a thought in your head independently of you. That thought, like many, has "visual" aspects to it in the same way if you pictured your parents or your childhood home in your mind has "visual" aspects. However, you described it as being very vivid, so that seems a bit more intriguing, like it was hyper-clear imagination. Either way, if it seemed to come from nowhere and you couldn't get it out of your head, it doesn't confirm that this is from an external source, but it is consistent with the model.
Let's say it is from an external source: is it from God? That's always a question for anyone who experiences something like this (and it can drive you crazy!). One suggestion is do a "Philippians 4:8" test. In other words, would it beneficial to pursue what this vision indicated? Either to yourself and/or others without being at the expense of others? If you have a "God has planned my destiny" approach to life then you don't have anything to worry about it: if it's from Him it'll happen. But if you're like me and have a general conception that "God wants me to have free will for my life" then perhaps it was a strong suggestion from Him, as in, "You'll really benefit from doing this. Trust me, I'm God". Either way, you might get some confirmation about it soon-ish so you can be patient and pray and ask Him questions about it!
A knotty topic. It entails discerning between people like Benny Hinn, Bob Tilton, or Todd Bentley & Thérèse of Lisieux, Joan of Arc, or Francis of Asissi.
How do we tell the diff between the Good & Bad? The standard of the Revealed Truth, pastoral counsel, & (I say this guardedly) our own inner witness. But I will be the fist to confess my own spiritual myopia.I find myself thinking, what would my favorite Jesuit, @Ancient_Scribe, http://ancient-scribe.xanga.com/ say? Probably something very pastoral. Like the Word of God and the teaching of the Faith remains fixed & unchanged…but every so often a glimmer of Light draws attention to a particular passage…or a particular person, place, or thing.
Thank you for thebeautifularticlethis article
Thanks..
قصائد حب | تصاميم | وظائف | اخبار | ميسي