“The Prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel dined with me, and I asked them how they dared so roundly to assert, that God spoke to them; and whether they did not think at the time, that they would be misunderstood, & so be the cause of imposition.
Isaiah answer’d, I saw no God, nor heard any, in a finite organical perception; but my senses discover’d the infinite in every thing, and as I was then persuaded, & remain confirm’d; that the voice of honest indignation is the voice of God, I cared not for consequences but wrote.”
— William Blake (The Marriage of Heaven and Hell: A Facsimile in Full Color)
When someone tells me that they have heard God telling them to do this or that, my logic board kicks into gear. But, more importantly my discernment honed and sharpened over the years of worship and prayer sticks its head out and gently whispers in my heart.
Never do I discount the person who tells me that they have heard God. But, if it is truly God, then the results will be honorable and holy. If Ezekiel and Isaiah screamed in the deserts and nothing happened of what they proclaimed, then they were frauds. But, truth will come and set you free.
If someone claims that they have heard God for me, on my account, then I listen even closer. I take it with a respectful thank you and appreciate it, yet in the dark of my closet, between me and my Maker, I lay it before Him. I need to know if that is truly for me or not. Also, if it is Him or not. The Holy Spirit will let me know the truth or the fantasy of it.
Results are not instant. But, time will tell and those who offer God’s word so freely should beware of using His name to do Satan’s bidding.
When God directs, it is a shame to ask others what they think. When it burns in your heart, speak it out. Like Isaiah and Ezekiel of old who were not running for office and did not care if they were popular or not.