Pastoral ministry and Christian counseling often involve guiding others through seasons of uncertainty, doubt, shame, regret, indecision, and fear, yet many leaders quietly wrestle with their own decisions and direction. When faced with choices that carry weight for both our lives and the lives of those we serve, how do we discern the voice of God with confidence?
My church is currently going through the book of James and the whole church is doing a small group series created by our church. The third week in the series looks at James 1:5-11, which talks about wisdom, maturity, and endurance. And to be honest, I half-wrote this article several months ago, but only just now decided to finish it. So this topic of working with others, and ourselves, when needing to discern God’s voice is timely for me, and I hope for you too.
Priscilla Shirer, author, actor, and motivational speaker, reminds us in her book Discerning the Voice of God:
“When God speaks to you by the Holy Spirit within and also confirms it by other means from without, then be on the lookout for His directions. If you notice a consistent message confirmed through the leading of the Holy Spirit, the Scripture, your circumstances, and other people … pay close attention. God is repeating Himself to make sure you get the message” (p. 77–78).
Similarly, Frederick Meyer described this process in The Secret of Guidance:
“God’s impressions within and His Word without are always corroborated by His providence around, and we should quietly wait until these three focus into one point. … If you do not know what you ought to do, stand still until you do. And when the time comes for action, circumstances, like glowworms, will sparkle along your path” (p. 28–29).
The Holy Spirit is at work in your heart, in the hearts of others, and in the events of your own life, guiding you in His direction. All of these things and more represent His unrelenting attempts to speak to you and cause you to listen. And honestly, the more massive and vital the decision you need to “land,” the more lights you should require (and the more He will be faithful to provide) before you touch down on a decision.
Scripture as the Anchor
The first and most reliable witness of God’s voice is His Word. God does not contradict Himself, and any impression or circumstance that pushes us in a direction contrary to Scripture should be dismissed. For pastors and counselors, anchoring decisions in biblical truth is not optional—it is essential. As the Psalmist declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). Scripture steadies us when emotions, pressures, or cultural voices try to sway our decisions.
The Spirit’s Gentle Voice
While Scripture provides clarity and boundaries, the Holy Spirit brings personal application. His impressions often come as a “gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12), prompting us toward or away from a certain path. These moments are not always dramatic, but over time, they can build confidence in our faith and in our testimony. For Christian leaders, developing our sensitivity to the Spirit’s voice means creating space for silence, prayer, and unhurried listening.
I’m guilty of this like so many others, but slowing down is necessary. A rhythm where we get enough sleep, spend quality time with others, relax, and have time with God is important. “But we have so much to do!” I hear you yelling, my own voice wanting to join in. Let us be diligent and resilient in the times when we work, but be at peace in the times of rest and in our relationship with God.
The Confirmation of Circumstances and Others
God also works through providence, opening or closing doors, providing resources when needed, and guiding us with the wise counsel of trusted advisors. As Meyer put it, circumstances will “sparkle along your path” when the time is right. This means we are not left to discern God’s will in isolation. Proverbs 15:22 (NIV) reminds us: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” For pastors and counselors, this often includes peers, mentors, or even those we serve, whose feedback becomes part of God’s confirming work.
Waiting Without Rushing
Perhaps the hardest part of discernment is patience. Meyer’s words call us to “stand still until you do” know what to do. In ministry, we often feel pressure to decide quickly, but waiting allows God’s “three witnesses,” His Word, His Spirit, and His providence (usually through others or small miracles), to align. This season of waiting is not wasted. Instead, it becomes a time of shaping, pruning, and preparing us for what lies ahead.
This time is not easy. In my experience, it’s when we open our hearts and minds to God and pray “God what do you have for me? Let my will be your will.” This can be a scary, and honestly painful process. I’ve found myself talking to God a couple of times and find my life turned completed upside down. In the end, it was exactly where God wanted me to be and something I never would have seen myself doing, and it required my faith to go beyond what I have ever needed to. And it was always worth it. BUT, proceed with caution.
Applying This in Ministry
For pastors and Christian counselors, discerning God’s voice is not just about personal decisions but also about guiding others into godly wisdom. When someone comes to you uncertain about a life direction, you can help them look for these three witnesses:
- What does Scripture say?
- What is the Spirit stirring in your heart?
- How are circumstances and godly counsel confirming this?
Teaching this process equips others to listen to God more deeply, rather than simply seeking quick advice.
Final Note
You are not left alone to guess God’s will. He delights to make His direction known. As you seek Him with humility, you will discover His Word, His Spirit, and His providence working together to illuminate your path. And when those “glowworms” of providence begin to sparkle, you can step forward in confidence, knowing the Shepherd is leading you.
