How do you know if God's leading you to do something?

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Opal0427

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I feel called to do a big risky thing out of service to God (in line with Church teaching, but not required by it)… how do I know if that’s God, my own mind, or demonic?

This would have real consequences for my family, but I’ve felt pressed to do it for weeks even though I dont want to cause its a big sacrifice and family would suffer emotionally.

If its God and I dont do it, then that’s bad. Its putting other things above God. But I also dont want to put my family through needless heartache either.

How do I know who or what, if anything, is pressing this on my heart?
I keep praying and I notice bible passages that talk about giving all to God, but I dont know if this is what God wants.
 
He gave us both a brain (reason) and a conscience for just this reason I would think.
 
…You don’t… 😉

But we trust God and do our best and stumble around and bump into stuff, and hope for the graces we need to help us do the stuff we think he’s asking us to do.

Sometimes we call it right. Sometimes we call it wrong. But if we keep our prayer, “Please help me do your will and be pleasing to you,” we trust God to sort things out and make something good come out of our bumbling. 💚
 
Sit in the silence of the adoration chapel and listen. Peace be with you
 
Might be a good one to talk to your priest about. Hard to offer decent advice without specifics but if your family are likely to suffer emotionally… seeking spiritual advice is probably a smart move.
 
You have not become Catholic yet, but do you talk to a priest, have you started RCIA yet?
 
I’m in RCIA. I’ve been baptized, but not confirmed. I’m waiting until after confirmation right now before making my decision. I’m still very concerned about this. 6 months isnt a lot of time, but it feels like too much time as well if God’s calling me now. Still, to be safe, getting my spiritual needs met seems likely to be priority (to do confession and receive the Eucharist).

I haven’t gotten a chance to talk to the priest yet. I’ve talked a bit to one of the RCIA instructors and was told to pray. I didn’t ask this specific question though. Maybe I should ask how to recognize the Holy Spirit when we meet again after Thanksgiving.
 
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i read your post in july about not being able to get to RCIA. Thanks be to God that you were able to manage it . I was talking to a Priest yesterday who heads up philosophy teaching at a Seminary and has a a lot to do with its occupants. They take 9 years and if 10 go in, 4 will end up being ordained. He said he worries for those who come in full of certainty about becoming a priest and hearing the call. He is much more comfortable with those who are not sure.
He himself only went to seminary to get rid of the idea he should be a Priest. He was sure he did not want to be a Priest.

So I guess what I am saying is time is on your side. If it is something God is calling you too, It will still be there in 12 mths. Do you go to Adoration at all?
 
Wow! Yeah, God moved some stuff around in my life to get me to RCIA. My dad’s job changed. So, he’s able to drive me much more easily. My home healthcare worker who came later in the day wanted to focus on school. So, I’ve requested a morning person which allows me to get up earlier. The office worker has been super supportive and helped me file paperwork online. The instructor found a list of YouTube videos for me to watch the classes I miss and we’ll discuss them.

I didn’t appreciate it all until you reminded me how worried I was about it just a few months ago.

Thanks for telling me about the seminary. I feel like I’m doing something wrong by not jumping asap. I’ve gotta ask questions in RCIA and trust, that God knows my weaknesses and if he wants me somewhere, I’ll get there. I plan to talk to the priest too after confession, but if things line up maybe I’ll ask the basic question earlier.

Thank you.
 
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My constant speech to me is…Complete trust in Jesus , let him work through you. I see God working strongly in your life , the Holy Spirit is so bright in you.

It can be so hard to let go completely and put all that trust in Jesus.
 
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I think you know when God wants something for you, doors open, phone calls happen, things occur. Often these are subtle yet definite. I don’t think anyone should strain themselves trying to discern this or that, I think that is the way to make a mistake but sometimes even our mistakes lead us to exactly where He wants us. if God wants something you’ll know I believe.

I hope that’s not disappointing, it shouldn’t be because He calls us all to be saints and that includes you. Sometimes though our ambitions are clouded by ego without us being fully conscious of it. So He may want us to weed our elderly neighbours garden whereas we think we’re being called to greater things. We need to remember that the first shall be last and the last shall be first, the great leader is a servant to all. Humble may not do it for you but God loves the truly humble.

God works through all media, including people and you won’t miss His call.
 
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Ask yourself “will this thing help me get to heaven? Will it help me show Christ’s love to those around me?” and also, " will this thing hinder me from attaining heaven? Will it needlessly harm others?"
 
Unfortunately the answer to all 4 questions is a strong maybe.

I guess I just have to keep praying God grants me wisdom, strength, and passion to do what He wants… And that the Lord strengthens and protects my loved ones through this - wherever He leads me.
 
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