the fruit of the Spirit is love...

     So what did I learn in growth group this week... well it's kind of funny how things work out.  Last week I really wanted to be a "yes kinda girl," which makes me think of this note I have saved on Pinterest...

however, I wasn't sure exactly how I would know that God was talking to me so that I could say yes to Him.  Well, I guess Lysa anticipated that others would be wondering the same thing and so.. she spelled it out for us.  She said there are 5 questions that help us know if God is speaking to us.  The 5 questions are:

1.  Does what I'm hearing line up with Scripture?
2.  Is what I'm hearing consistent with God's character?
3. Is what I'm hearing being confirmed through other messages?
4. Is what I'm hearing beyond me?
5.  Would what I'm hearing please God?

We read several Bible verses that relate to each question and discussed the meaning in relation to recognizing God's voice.  This was extremely helpful.  I decided that question 2 and question 5 were most helpful to me in discerning whether or not what I think is God's nudge actually is.  I especially was drawn to question 2... which we related back to Galatians 5: 22-23, which says:

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 

This quote acts as a wonderful summary of God's character.  If there is ever a time that I think I am supposed to be doing something but it doesn't align with or bring about any of these characteristics in myself, well then I'll know it can't be God.  Each day I'm more and more excited to experience the amazing things that God decides to do in my life.  I know he's active in my life everyday.  Hopefully with time I'll learn to be more aware of it all.

For info on the study visit: http://lysaterkeurst.com/what-happens-when-women-say-yes-to-god-participants-guide/