Can people tell that you have heard from God? Is it obvious to others that you walk closely with the divine? God has ways of verifying His word to His servants. God promised Samuel that everything he prophesied would come to pass (1 Samuel 3:19). God assured Joshua that no enemy could defeat him (Joshua 1:5). God made Moses’ face shine after his divine encounters. For each of these servants of God, it was clearly apparent that they had received a word from God.
Conversely, the evidence of a false prophet was that what they prophesied did not come to pass (Deuteronomy 18:20-22). There are those who loudly proclaim the validity of their words. They cry out for an audience. They assure people of the truth of their words. But God does not affirm them. What they proclaim never comes to pass. God does not affirm their words in peoples’ hearts. Despite their most eloquent words and earnest appeals, people are not moved by what they say.
The key for leaders is not to develop the most appealing strategy or grandiose vision but to receive a clear word from God. God will stand by every word He speaks. Not every word you utter. Could it be that you need to make your way up the sacred mount to enter into the thick cloud once again? Wait there as long as it takes until you have clearly received a word from your Lord. That word will change everything.