M
MockSock
Guest
In my experience, moments when I have really felt God’s presence have mostly come out of chaotic situations and bad times in my life.
- Status
E
Edmono
Guest
It made me smile seeing this thread title as I was contemplating similar thoughts of, how God might communicate, a year ago whilst out on a long walk, on a sunny day, when passing through an industrialized area.
It was late in the morning with a few clouds in a blue sky when the weather deteriorated rapidly to darkly overcast followed by increasing rain. I found cover under a lone tree whilst trying to find my waterproof coat and umbrella from my rucksack. A lady ran out of the rain and joined me under the tree; she was also unprepared for the rain. Next there was some thunder and lightning and I discussed with the lady whether it was a good idea to be standing under a tree because a direct strike to a tree can cause the sap to heat rapidly turning it to steam causing the tree to explode. The rain eased a little and the lady concerned about the tree exploding decided to run off to her place of work. I found my rain coat and umbrella. I walked on and continued contemplating if God might communicate through natural events like the weather.
After about half a mile the rain stopped and shortly after the wind became exceptionally strong with violent gusts and they wrecked the umbrella. A great grinding noise arose and I saw two industrial wheelie bins outside a factory being dragged round in a circle across the concrete forecourt; then they lifted up high into the air with other pieces of rubbish and dust, spinning rapidly. I could see and understood, that a small tornado was approaching towards me. It was less than 100 feet away and as it advanced I took advantage of a strong metal security fence. I clung to it and could feel the wind trying to pull my legs away. I sunk down onto my knees with my head down and one arm passing through the metal railings with my hands clasped together.
This seemed to be a good prayerful position to make some fervent prayer, which was more a prayer of wonder and amazement than terror. Have to say that after a few moments I felt a great feeling of calmness, strength and protection, despite being in all this turmoil and disturbance with the stinging of wet grit and other rubbish hitting me. It was impossible to look up or hear anything other than this roaring sound. Then quite suddenly the wind dropped as did the wheelie bins and gradually all the rubbish swirling about fell down and settled. It had all happened in less than a minute.
God then decided to bless me with a torrential down pouring of rain. There was hardly any wind now but the rain was immense. I ran for some shelter, to a nearby building. As I watched the rain fall causing large puddles in the road I realised that God communicates with us all the time – constantly. Everything around us is created by Him; life is breathed into all living creatures by Him. He can easily make a tiny insect flap its wings at the right moment and produce a chain of events that put me next to a tornado…
continues…
It was late in the morning with a few clouds in a blue sky when the weather deteriorated rapidly to darkly overcast followed by increasing rain. I found cover under a lone tree whilst trying to find my waterproof coat and umbrella from my rucksack. A lady ran out of the rain and joined me under the tree; she was also unprepared for the rain. Next there was some thunder and lightning and I discussed with the lady whether it was a good idea to be standing under a tree because a direct strike to a tree can cause the sap to heat rapidly turning it to steam causing the tree to explode. The rain eased a little and the lady concerned about the tree exploding decided to run off to her place of work. I found my rain coat and umbrella. I walked on and continued contemplating if God might communicate through natural events like the weather.
After about half a mile the rain stopped and shortly after the wind became exceptionally strong with violent gusts and they wrecked the umbrella. A great grinding noise arose and I saw two industrial wheelie bins outside a factory being dragged round in a circle across the concrete forecourt; then they lifted up high into the air with other pieces of rubbish and dust, spinning rapidly. I could see and understood, that a small tornado was approaching towards me. It was less than 100 feet away and as it advanced I took advantage of a strong metal security fence. I clung to it and could feel the wind trying to pull my legs away. I sunk down onto my knees with my head down and one arm passing through the metal railings with my hands clasped together.
This seemed to be a good prayerful position to make some fervent prayer, which was more a prayer of wonder and amazement than terror. Have to say that after a few moments I felt a great feeling of calmness, strength and protection, despite being in all this turmoil and disturbance with the stinging of wet grit and other rubbish hitting me. It was impossible to look up or hear anything other than this roaring sound. Then quite suddenly the wind dropped as did the wheelie bins and gradually all the rubbish swirling about fell down and settled. It had all happened in less than a minute.
God then decided to bless me with a torrential down pouring of rain. There was hardly any wind now but the rain was immense. I ran for some shelter, to a nearby building. As I watched the rain fall causing large puddles in the road I realised that God communicates with us all the time – constantly. Everything around us is created by Him; life is breathed into all living creatures by Him. He can easily make a tiny insect flap its wings at the right moment and produce a chain of events that put me next to a tornado…
continues…
E
Edmono
Guest
…continued
I always feel a great sense of joy when I think back about this experience even though serious injury or even death was a possibility. In answer to the question, in my opinion everything that happens to us or we see happening to others good, bad or some coincidence is potentially God communicating to us. A rhetorical question for you to consider: was it easier for God to make the tornado at that time in response to my contemplation of how he communicates with us or did he plant the thoughts in my mind before the tornado, which was going to happen anyway?
I always feel a great sense of joy when I think back about this experience even though serious injury or even death was a possibility. In answer to the question, in my opinion everything that happens to us or we see happening to others good, bad or some coincidence is potentially God communicating to us. A rhetorical question for you to consider: was it easier for God to make the tornado at that time in response to my contemplation of how he communicates with us or did he plant the thoughts in my mind before the tornado, which was going to happen anyway?
P
philipl
Guest
God has never spoken to me in my 57 years and I dont think he ever will. I have free will, I dont believe God speaks to most (99.9999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999%) of the people.
L
Lee1
Guest
Quite a few years ago I was listening to a radio interview where the interviewee was a Rabbi. Apart from a lot of interesting things he said that one day he was contemplating the nature of God when he heard a voice say “all you are, everything you see are reflections of me, one day you will find the real thing.” Certainly God communicates one way or another.
P
philipl
Guest
I believe that was him talking to himself.
K
Katherine438
Guest
One time Jesus spoke to me by answering a very specific prayer I made to Him … when He did this I was filled with delight … I knew for sure that He listens to prayers … that one time has sustained me for many years.
L
Lee1
Guest
A new parishioner joined the church and at coffee after Mass he introduced himself saying “hi my name is Thomas.” From the back was heard a voice saying “I doubt that.”
O
OceanL
Guest
God speaks to your heart, not verbal words, and when one is in harmony with the Spirit of God, their heart is open from which the spirit speaks utterences back to God, thats tongues, and its not verbal either, but our hearts speak and God hears.
linda
linda
H
hergratefulchild
Guest
I want to quote the Mother of Jesus at the wedding at Cana where Jesus turns water into wine…“do what he tells you”
Tis_Bearself
Patron
He talked to people all through the Old Testament and New Testament, talked to a number of saints, and talks to many people today who are not psychotic.
He doesn’t always use words.
P
pppp
Guest
Yes you aren’t there yet
M
Michael96
Guest
I would say that if you want to hear God, then read scripture. If you want to hear an audible voice of God, read scripture aloud 
H
HeDa
Guest
This reminds me of the two apostles who walked and talked and didn’t recognise Jesus walking beside them answering their questions. (Luke 24)
- Status