The Holy Spirit’s Guidance: Learning to Listen and Obey

One of the most incredible things about walking with God is learning to recognize the voice and guidance of the Holy Spirit. It’s not always loud or dramatic — in fact, most of the time, it’s a quiet nudge. But when you’re consistently in the Word and in prayer, that nudge becomes easier to feel. You start to notice conviction in certain areas of your life — maybe to help someone, change a habit, or step away from something that’s pulling you away from God’s best for you.

For me, one of the first times I really experienced that conviction was when I felt the Holy Spirit telling me to quit dipping tobacco. It might sound small to some, but for me, it was a strong addiction — part of my daily rhythm, especially as a college baseball coach. It was something I leaned on to manage stress, especially during high-pressure games.

At the time, we were in the middle of the season, fighting for a playoff spot. We had a huge three-game series against our conference rival, and I felt God telling me now was the time to quit. Mid-season. Mid-battle. I knew it would be tough, but I also knew that conviction wasn’t from me — it was from Him.

So, I stopped. And it was hard. Every inning felt heavier. The emotions of the game — the ups and downs, the pressure, the intensity — were magnified because I didn’t have that old crutch to lean on. I remember sitting in the dugout thinking, “God, I know You want me to quit tobacco, but I’m struggling here. We’re losing. I need something.”

By the final game of the series, we were down three runs in the 7th inning. It felt like our season was slipping away. Then, with two outs and runners on first and second, we strung together three hits in a row — taking the lead and eventually winning the game. I don’t believe God necessarily rewards obedience with instant victory or that if you do the “right” thing, everything goes your way. But in that moment, I truly felt His presence. It felt like a reminder that He sees obedience. That He honors a heart that listens — even when it’s hard.

That experience taught me something powerful: the Holy Spirit’s conviction isn’t about control — it’s about transformation. When we listen and respond, God uses it to grow us, to free us, and to draw us closer to Him.

If you’re feeling a nudge — even a small one — to make a change, to reach out to someone, or to give something up, don’t ignore it. Get in the Word. Spend time in prayer. The more you do, the clearer that voice becomes. And when you obey, you’ll not only see God move — you’ll experience His peace and presence in ways that go far beyond the thing He asked you to let go of.