"The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It cuts all the way through, to where soul and spirit meet, to where joints and marrow come together. It judges the desires and thoughts of the heart. 13 There is nothing that can be hid from God; everything in all creation is exposed and lies open before his eyes. And it is to him that we must all give an account of ourselves." (Hebrews 4 : 12-13 GNT)
Sincerity is one of the greatest tool you need as a human being especially as a believer.
A believer who has not asked the Holy Spirit to use His double-edged sword to *cut-completely* through him/her in order to separate *the mind/emotions/intelligence* from the *inner-witness* of the Holy Spirit will remain *aroused/distracted* by the physical signs/realities/manifestations much more than the leading of the Holy Spirit hence will find it difficult to operate in faith with God.
Faith is the only thing that pleases God (Hebrews 11:6)
Faith is expressed through love (Gal.5 : 6)
Anything done without faith is sin (Romans 14:23)
Faith is superior to obedience to God because faith is the bases through which obedience towards God is defined however obedience to God is one of the fruits of faith and the manifestations of the Holy Spirit inside the life of a genuine believer thus "...we believe therefore we obey" (Rom.16:26)
If anyone desires to hear from the Holy Spirit clearly and stop doubting whether it is your mind/soul/devil speaking use the word of God in Hebrews 4:12-13 to pray that the Holy Spirit should *cut-completely to the end* and make a separation between your mind/soul and *His inner-witnessing/assurance-of-faith* inside your life.
When He performs this complete separation in your life, your relationship with God will be so easy/flexible/immutable/unshakeable/never-boring/eternally-uplifting e.t.c
It does not matter whether you are ordained or lay-faithful, you just need to humble yourself and open up to the Holy Spirit on this *soul-spirit separation*
Father, use your word which is the double-edged sword of the spirit to separate our emotional-instincts and the inner-witness of Your Holy Spirit actively working inside our lives now and always in Jesus Mighty Name. Amen.