Is God Calling?!?!

How do we know when God is calling us to something specific?  Does God really talk to us? Are His answers really clear?  I ask questions like this all the time! How do I know what God wants me to do with this decision.  When faced with  an important decision, there are three things I usually do.  First, I pray! I don't just pray for a specific answer or a sign, I pray for God's will in the situation.  I  pray that when I make that final decision, God will direct my words and/or actions so that it is His will for my life.  I also talk to other Christians and ask for prayer as well as their advice on the situation. And last I seek God's will by digging into His Word.  I read and study His Word.  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths” Proverbs 3:5-6  Every time I am faced with a big decision, this verse comes up! I know that if my heart is for the Lord then He will direct my paths!

Right now, I am making one of those big choices in my life.  As I have been praying on what to do, I feel God has given me some answers.  I met with a young girl that used to be in a youth group that I helped out with when she was in 6th grade.  She is now a senior in high school; therefore, it has been several years since we have been able to get together. (I pray we meet up a lot more and not wait that long again!)  As she talked to me about her life and the young woman she has become, I started getting emotional realizing how parts of her life has been shaped by me and advice I had given to her several years back.  She even made the comment to me, "Don't ever think your advice doesn't mean anything." I have not stopped thinking about that part of the conversation.  She told me that when she gets herself into certain situations, she thinks about me and what I would think about the situation and if I would be ok with it. Would I approve?!?! On my way home from meeting with her, I got choked up because little did I know, God made a difference in her life through me.  He used me for a specific purpose.  He is still using advice I have given her several years ago to direct her paths now.  I knew that night, what I was supposed to do and the choice I should make.  As to how far I should take that choice and to what extent is still in God's hands...praying God will direct me and lead me in the path that I should go.  I do know that God has and is still using me for His purpose! I pray that I can continue to trust the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding, but instead acknowledge Him so that He will direct my paths!  "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.  In those days when you pray, I will listen." Jeremiah 29:11-12  Wow!!! I love that verse!!! How awesome is it to know that God's plans for us are for good...not for bad!?!?!?  They will give me a future...a hope!!!  WHEN I PRAY, HE LISTENS!!!! I love knowing that!!!!  His timing just may not always be my timing and His answers may not always be my answers!