Discerning false promptings

[Sicnarf]

Can someone explain to me how to discern between true promptings and false promptings? The reason for the question is for the past two weeks, I've known of changes to a presidency and during that time, whenever I'd think about it, I'd get the warm feelings associated with the Spirit so I thought I was being told that I'd be getting a calling.

When the day came for the callings to be extended there was nothing for me. The same thing happened to me a few years ago with another calling. So now I'm beginning to think that perhaps the promptings I was feeling were something my subconscious created and really not from the Spirit even though on a conscious level I didn't want the calling because it would consume so much time.

Right now, emotionally, I'm angry, frustrated and confused because of the anxiety and stress leading up to the time the callings were extended. To make matters worse, my wife felt that something big was going to happen in our lives and she's going through the same feelings.

I know the natural man is an enemy to God and that's what I'm dealing with but I just want to understand why I was getting the promptings and if they were really coming from the Spirit. Thanks

[Still_Small_Voice]

I would encourage you to study Doctrine and Covenants section 8 and the below scriptures:

Moroni chapter 7

16 For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may

know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.

17 But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him.

[james12]

Can someone explain to me how to discern between true promptings and false promptings? The reason for the question is for the past two weeks, I've known of changes to a presidency and during that time, whenever I'd think about it, I'd get the warm feelings associated with the Spirit so I thought I was being told that I'd be getting a calling.

When the day came for the callings to be extended there was nothing for me. The same thing happened to me a few years ago with another calling. So now I'm beginning to think that perhaps the promptings I was feeling were something my subconscious created and really not from the Spirit even though on a conscious level I didn't want the calling because it would consume so much time.

Right now, emotionally, I'm angry, frustrated and confused because of the anxiety and stress leading up to the time the callings were extended. To make matters worse, my wife felt that something big was going to happen in our lives and she's going through the same feelings.

I know the natural man is an enemy to God and that's what I'm dealing with but I just want to understand why I was getting the promptings and if they were really coming from the Spirit. Thanks

The Spirit communicates intelligence and understanding. In fact Joseph Smith says, "The Holy Ghost has no other effect than pure intelligence" (TPJS p. 149, italics added). Spiritual communication is not simply a warm fuzzy. It is knowledge. Sometimes when we gain knowledge we then feel it's results which are joy, peace, love, etc. (Gal 5:22-23). But these feelings are the results or the fruit, not the source. We must not get this confused.

So in your situation I would ask, why did you feel that warm feeling? There was likely a true Spirit there but what understanding was being given? If you do not know then ask the Lord in prayer. If he does not tell you then shut it up until such time as he will.

[Gretchen]

There are many different callings within the church. It could be that the Spirit was telling you that you will be getting a calling, but the calling you will get is different than the one you thought you'd receive.

[The Folk Prophet]

Your dilemma is one of the key learning points of life. Don't get discouraged. It is the same for all. Learning to hear and understand the spirit is a life-long process that we all must go through. It is not a simple thing and it takes great faith, patience, long-suffering, sacrifice, and determination to get there, bit by bit, line upon line. Don't give up just because you have been set back in your understanding a bit. That set-back is a learning opportunity. But you will only learn if you respond to it with humility, faith, study, prayer, etc... And it will happen again and again. We, as fallible humans, will be constantly put in our place by these sorts of things. We can respond in pride and move away from the Lord or respond in humility and move closer to Him. Eventually, you and all of us, will get there if we keep true to the faith. We must trust the Lord even when we don't understand.

[AngelMarvel]

even though on a conscious level I didn't want the calling because it would consume so much time.

I think this part that you said says it all...

"even though on a conscious level I didn't want the calling because it would consume so much time. "

Maybe what you thought was not showing really was showing to those that extend callings. The Lord knows.

Hope you get the calling you want....but, a lot of times it's not so much what WE want, it's what the Lord wants and knows WE need.

[mordorbund]

President Uchtdorf's remarks come to mind:

When traveling to the stakes of Zion for the purpose of reorganizing a stake presidency, I have sometimes been surprised when, during an interview, a brother would tell me that he had received an impression that he would be in the next presidency.

When I first heard this, I wasn’t sure how to react.

It took some time before the Holy Spirit gave me understanding. I believe that the Lord has a certain calling for every man. Sometimes He grants spiritual promptings telling us that we are worthy to receive certain callings. This is a spiritual blessing, a tender mercy from God.

But sometimes we do not hear the rest of what the Lord is telling us. “Although you are worthy to serve in this position,” He may say, “this is not my calling for you. It is my desire instead that you lift where you stand.” God knows what is best for us.