Have you ever had a moment that felt like God was in it? Maybe it looked like perfect timing—or just a strange coincidence.

But what if it was more than that? What if it was a divine appointment?

A divine appointment is when God orchestrates a moment that changes everything. It’s not random, it’s intentional. And it’s from Him.

Throughout Scripture, we see God working through these sacred encounters—moments that radically changed lives: Moses at the burning bush. Joseph in Pharaoh’s court. Rahab and the spies. David’s anointing. The woman at the well. Philip and the Ethiopian. The list goes on.

God worked through divine appointments then—and He still does now.

But how do you know when it’s really from God?

Let’s be honest: sometimes it’s hard to tell. Is it God leading you or just your own emotions? Or worse—could it be a distraction or deception from the enemy?

If you’ve ever wrestled with that question, you’re not alone.

Here are four questions you must ask yourself when wondering if you’re hearing from God or not. 

Ask: Is this contradicting God’s word? 

I knew a young man who was married for many years. They had children and all seemed to be going well. Then one day his wife walked in the door and said she had been seeing someone else. And God told them both to divorce their spouses, leave their children, and be missionaries in Brazil.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know they were not hearing from God. 

Let me be clear: God will never contradict His Word, and he will never tell someone to deliberately sin. 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”

If what you’re hearing goes against the Bible—even slightly—it’s not from Him. You need to test every voice against Scripture. If what you’re listening to contradicts Scripture, it’s not from God. Period.

Ask: Is this bringing me peace or fear? 

I’ve talked with countless people who are missing out on the purpose of God in their lives because they were captivated by fear. It was the prison they couldn’t escape. 

2 Timothy 1:7 tells us that “God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”

Fear is a liar, and it’s not from God. When he speaks, he speaks with clarity and peace. Not with panic, confusion, fear, or anxiety. Even when he convicts of sin, he does so with kindness and love. Not guilt and shame. 

If what you’re hearing is causing you to live in life-binding fear, it’s not from God. 

Ask: Is this encouraging me to live in obedience, or is it an excuse? 

The number one excuse I’ve heard over my many years in ministry is “I’m just too busy.” I’ve got work, sports, family stuff, I was just too tired, or that’s just not for me.

James 1:22 says we should be “Be doers of the word, not just hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” 

It’s a deception of the enemy to think we only need to hear God’s word and do nothing with it. We are commanded to obey his word all the days of our lives.

God’s voice will always lead you toward obedience, growth, and surrender. 

If what you’re hearing is telling you to live with excuses instead of obedience, it’s not from God. 

Ask: Is this pointing me closer to Jesus? 

There are more than enough “voices” out there that do their best to point us away from Jesus. It can sometimes feel overwhelming. 

The number one thing the voice of God will do is point you closer to Jesus. Bottom line!

John 16:13 says, “When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” Is what you’re listening to pointing you to Jesus, or is it turning you away from him? 

If what you’re hearing is turning you away from Jesus, making you self-focused and prideful, it’s not God. Period!

If you take the test, these questions will help you to sift through the noise of personal feelings and attacks from the enemy. But I should add one more question. 

Ask: Is this just me being weird? 

Not every encounter you have in life will be a divine appointment. So don’t over spiritualize it. Just because you might be wearing the same t-shirt or eating a Snickers bar at the same time, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a miraculous moment. Sometimes it’s just a coincidence.

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