Thank you for visiting. We trust that you have enjoyed reading our articles.
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.
Liked this post?
Read more below or search for more topics...
-
Lessons From Gideon
Lessons From Gideon “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive” (Judges 6:15-16 NIV).I love the story of Gideon as told in Judges chapters 6-8. Below are a few of the many lessons that we can learn from this Holy Scripture.1. You Shall Have no Other Gods but MeThe Israelites were worshipping the false god Baal, and for seven years the Israelites were under the... -
Tell Yourself The Truth
Tell Yourself The Truth “Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit” (Romans 8:5 NLT). If you were raised in a Christian home, you were surely taught the importance of honesty and always telling the truth. I feel that honesty and respect go hand in hand. You are not respecting someone if you are not telling them the truth. It is sad that we often fail to extend the same courtesy to ourselves that we extend to others. When we believe negative thoughts... -
The Burnt Toast Theory
The Burnt Toast Theory “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28 KJV). A friend recently sent me the story below about “The Burnt Toast Theory.” I think it is from an anonymous author. I will put quotations around the part that I received, and then offer a few of my own thoughts after.“When things don’t go your way…. Last February, I had a flight out of Sydney that was cancelled several minutes after we were asked to get ready for boarding. The...