Hearing God's Voice

“God does speak—sometimes one way and sometimes another—even though people may not understand it” (Job 33:14 NCV).

 

I have long been envious of my friends that when seeking the Father’s guidance in making a big decision are able to come away with a clear answer after time spent in prayer.  For over 40 years I yearned for this but never experienced this. 

 I still struggle to hear His voice but have put myself in a much better position by attempting to silence the other voices (self, society, and the enemy) when seeking His voice. 

God has designed us to hear His voice. In a sense, there is a “receiver” in us that allows us to get guidance from God.

What channels does God use? The primary way that God speaks is through the Bible. This is why it’s important to read the Bible every day. God’s will is found in his Word. That’s how you know if an impression you get is a message from God.

God also speaks through godly teachers. Have you ever been in church or at a Bible study and felt like the pastor or leader was speaking directly to you?  In that moment, God was speaking directly to you. 

If somebody truly has the spiritual gift of teaching, they are going to agree with the Bible.  Period.   I don’t care how entertaining someone is or how much emotion you feel from that person’s message. If what is said does not agree with the Bible, then the speaker does not have the gift of teaching and is certainly not honoring God or the white clerical collar.

The Bible talks about this in 1 Corinthians 2:13: “We do not speak in words taught by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, as we explain spiritual truths to those who have the Spirit.” 

For me, I have often heard God’s voice through other Christians. Hopefully, they hear His voice through me.   As we stay tuned in to Him and learn his Word, sometimes God will use us to say things to people that He wants them to hear. It’s not something reserved only for pastors. God speaks through every believer at different times.

I am convinced that God has spoken to me through pastors and friends but also homeless people and complete strangers.  For example, I was very homesick when I went to college at the age of 17.  The first semester was hard, and the weather was so cold.  I was sad and homesick.  One day I saw a blind boy walking toward me.  He said nothing to me, but I felt God telling me, “This boy is also struggling, but he is preserving and so can you!”  Thirty-five years passed and last week I was feeling sad and processing some things while going for a walk.  A blind boy that looked like that same boy from 35 years ago was approaching me.  Again, he said nothing, but I felt the Holy Spirit from the head on my hair to my feet, and I felt His assurance once again.  This time I prayed for the boy and gave thanks to God for speaking to me.

Last but not least, God speaks to us through our circumstances and pain. That’s not always our favorite way to learn God’s will, but it is often the most powerful ways God speaks to us. God never wastes your hurt!  God does not cause pain or hurt but can use it to get our attention and provide us a renewed opportunity to yoke up with Him.

God is speaking all the time.  All communication is based on the signal to noise ratio.  It’s important to be intentional in seeking and following the Holy Spirit. As we listen patiently, we will gain clarity at the right time and way.  He will show us the right path.

Prayer:  Dear God, Thank you for speaking to us.  Help us to silence all other voices and to hear your Voice.  Equip and empower us to take actions based on your Voice and your Word so that our words and deeds bring honor and glory to You.  Please pour out your Spirit on those that have spoken Your word to me especially the blind boys that spoke Your word without saying a word.  Amen.

Meet the Author

Todd Shupe is a Certified Lay Minister and Men’s Ministry Specialist through Francis Asbury Methodist Church in Baton Rouge, LA. He is a Board Member for Gulf South Men, an Action Team member for The Kingdom Group, and a Board Member for the Lagniappe Country Walk to Emmaus. Todd is a contributor to Project XII and Baton Rouge Parents Magazine. He is a Past President of the Baton Rouge District of United Methodist Men and remains active in this and many other local, regional, and international ministries. Additionally, he’s the author of the inspiring book “Fathering A Special Needs Child.”  Todd also enjoys filling the pulpit to share the Good News of our Lord and Savior. Todd is the proud father of Emma and Kyle and resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

We welcome your comments below.

Thank you for visiting. We trust that you have enjoyed reading our articles.

Liked this post?

Read more below or search for more topics...

  • A Christian Approach to Depression

    A Christian Approach to Depression “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed" (Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV). God has blessed us with the Living Word known as the Holy Bible.   We can turn to the Bible for advice and instruction for our worries and problems.  Some may feel that the Bible is too old to be relevant today.  However, many, if not all, of our issues of today are essentially the same as when Jesus walked the earth.  We learn from Ecclesiastes 1:9, “What...
  • Are You Patiently or Impatiently Waiting on God?

    Are You Patiently or Impatiently Waiting on God? “Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!” (Psalm 27:14 NKJV).According to the website Brainboost.com, the average person will spend 10 years standing in line over their lifetime.  I wonder how much time will be added on if they factored in waiting on the phone, waiting for a movie to start, or one of my favorite past times – waiting on God.The Bible is full of stories of those who waited on God to move.  Joseph waited over 13 years before...
  • Finding the Fruits of the Spirit

    Finding the Fruits of the Spirit “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.  Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another” (Galatians 5:25-276 KJV). I love to watch St. Louis Cardinals baseball games on television.  I played little league baseball but knew at a very young age that I would never play professional baseball at any level.  I simply did not have the talent.  It was not “in” me.  I had the gift of a strong arm.  However, it was not the strongest by far and when combined with an...