023 God Speaks: Visions or Imagination: How Can We Tell the Difference?

Children are often described as having vivid imaginations, effortlessly creating worlds of wonder in their minds. Yet, throughout history, God has spoken to people through visions. This raises an important question: What’s the difference between an overactive imagination and a divine vision?

For years, I sought to hear God’s voice. I knew He spoke through Scripture, but I longed for specific answers—direction, guidance, something more personal. I would sit in silence, asking God to speak, and suddenly, my mind would fill with pictures. I dismissed them, assuming they were mere imagination, random thoughts I needed to shut out to truly hear from God.

Then came a defining moment.

One day, as I lay on the floor in my house, I saw something unlike anything I had ever experienced before. It was a full-color, three-dimensional vision—vivid, powerful, and completely life-altering. That moment changed everything. I realized I had been seeing visions for years but had not recognized them as God’s way of speaking to me.

Learning to Discern God’s Voice

Once I began paying attention to these visions, I started asking God, Are You speaking to me? Is there a message or an interpretation I need to understand? I learned that while we have the ability to imagine anything we want, there is a difference between our human imagination and a vision from God.

To illustrate this, I sometimes challenge people when teaching on hearing God’s voice. I’ll say, “I’m going to give you a vision. Whatever you do, do NOT picture a yellow rose.” As expected, most people immediately see a yellow rose in their minds—petals, stem, leaves, and all. Why? Because I directed their imagination.

Similarly, when God speaks through visions, He excites our imagination, painting pictures with words and impressions. The key is learning to distinguish between what is divinely inspired and what originates from our own minds.

How to Tell the Difference Between a Vision and Imagination

The Bible warns against prophets who speak from their own imagination rather than from God (Jeremiah 23:16). That tells us that imagination and divine revelation are not the same thing. But how do we tell them apart?

Here are a few ways to discern the difference:

Origin: If a thought or vision comes after someone else has suggested or directed it, it may simply be imagination. True visions from God often come unexpectedly.

Impact: A vision from God is transformative. It carries a weight of divine presence and often brings clarity, peace, or conviction.

Alignment with Scripture: God will never contradict His Word. If what you see or hear aligns with biblical truth, it is more likely to be from Him.

Confirmation: God often confirms His messages through Scripture, other believers, or circumstances.

Spiritual Discernment: Ask God for wisdom and clarity. He desires for us to hear His voice and will provide guidance when we seek Him sincerely.

Walking in Revelation

The more I learned to recognize God’s voice, the more I realized He had been speaking all along. Now, when I receive a vision, I write it down and ask God for its meaning. Sometimes, I see a heavenly scene filled with angels worshiping. Other times, I hear a direct proclamation from God. These moments are powerful, but they differ greatly from mere imagination.

The beauty of hearing God’s voice is that He speaks to each of us uniquely. Some hear Him through Scripture, others through dreams, and some through visions. The key is learning to recognize and trust His voice.

Rather than striving to conjure up an experience, we can simply open our hearts and say, Lord, I am listening. When we approach Him with humility and faith, He will speak in ways we never expected.

Have you ever experienced a vision from God? How did you know it was from Him? Share your experience in the comments below!