You must admit that we hear the words ‘God told me’ or references to ‘this is the direction God wants us (me) to go’, quite frequently. A major issue arises; two opposite groups of thought; let’s pray about it; each claims God is ‘telling us’ to go this way. Of course it is impossible for any leader, let alone God, to point at opposing directions. Then is one group lying? Although possible, typically it is not a lie rather a MAJOR misunderstanding of what a person perceives. We all encounter circumstances in our lives that a major decision (sometimes smaller decision) needs to be taken. I do not know which direction to take, so I seek God’s guidance. Since there are no prophets amongst us, neither I nor anyone else audibly hears the voice of God saying “this is the way I want you to go.” So the ‘God told me’ stems from an inner feeling, a sensation that indicates to that someone; “this is the way God wants me to go”, and hence shares with everyone else that indeed God wants us to go ‘this’ way. First, we should never ever use any inferences to ‘God told me’ unless God’s audible voice is heard, for that is what the word ‘told’ means, period. So, for this reason alone, please stop ever using an inference that God said something when God did not. Second, here’s an explanation as to what happens;

• God is present with us always and at all times
• We do not sense God’s presence simply because we do not seek Him at all times
• When we seek God for specific reasons, we sense God’s presence
• This sensation, since we do not experience it often, is a bit of a ‘wow God is with me’
• We misinterpret this as ‘God is agreeing’ with what I want, when in fact it is ‘God is present’
• Since God is present at all times, this momentary sensation is a deficiency from man, but sadly it is used to augment what one wants to follow and not necessarily which direction God wants one to go

And that is why two groups of Godly people head into opposing directions; while each claims God’s hand is pointing in their direction. So again, please, never claim or inference the ‘God told me’ and let’s eradicate this syndrome. So go and know that God is indeed with you at all times, but not necessarily on your side.