Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” John 10:27 (NASB).
This being true, why do so many people have trouble hearing from God? The answer is a lot simpler than you may believe.
In the very first chapter of the very first book of the Bible, God spoke. The transforming power of those first few syllables have not since failed to impact every aspect of the universe. Despite Adam’s sin and exile from the Garden, God continued His plan for mankind through the promise and fulfillment of His Son. John 1 clearly identifies Jesus as God’s Word made flesh. He has always provided a way for us to hear Him.
Since God continues to speak to His people, we must conclude that the problem is not with the transmitter. This being the case, the problem must reside in one of two places. Either the receiver is broken, or the static must be so bad that the signal is not getting through. In my research of scripture, I have identified twelve keys to getting the voice of God from His mouth to our ears. Here are the first three keys:
1. Check the Manual
If a person’s phone or computer didn’t seem to be operating correctly, most people would check the manual or seek out an expert on the equipment to find out if something was broken or if they were doing something wrong. It is amazing that many people experience difficulty in hearing from God, yet never take time to seek out His written word and the ministers that He has provided them to understand why. Instead they just go through life thinking, “Why doesn’t God ever speak to me?” News Flash! He is speaking! All you need to do is find out why you aren’t hearing or understanding Him. It begins and ends with the Bible. Simply put, God will never say anything that contradicts His written Word. If you think He is, you are getting the wrong transmission.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;” 2 Timothy 3:16 (NASB)
“Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105 (NASB)
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17 (NASB)
“For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.” Hebrews 2:1 (NASB)
2. Obey
It is simply dumbfounding how some people say they desire God’s wisdom for their life but then refuse to do things His way. Imagine going to Warren Buffet for investment advice and then not doing anything he tells you to do. It would not take long before Mr. Buffet stopped giving advice. The great news is, we serve a wonderful and forgiving God who is willing to give us another chance. We just need to do things His way.
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding, Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check, Otherwise they will not come near to you.” Psalm 32:8-9 (NASB)
“He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.” John 14:21 (NASB)
“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.” Revelation 1:3 (NASB)
3. Get to Know God
I have known siblings who sound almost identical on the phone. A simple hello or even a brief conversation could leave me uncertain of whom I spoke with. As I got to know each person individually, however, I began to learn distinguishing characteristics about how they spoke, mannerisms or even the kinds of things they liked to talk about. The more I got to know them, the quicker I could discern who was speaking.
There are many times when you may think God is speaking, but with a little bit of discernment, you realize you are hearing your own mind telling you what you want to hear. Other times, you may be hearing the echo of the advice of friends and family rather than the voice of God. Sometimes, you may even be hearing the voice of the enemy trying to get you off track. The more you get to know God through study of His Word and every day obedience, the easier it will be for you to know the difference.
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;” John 10:27 (NASB)
“Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word. You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me. Which one of you convicts Me of sin? If I speak truth, why do you not believe Me? He who is of God hears the words of God; for this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of God.” John 8:43-47 (NASB)
I hope you find this helpful in seeking God’s voice in your life. Next time, we will discuss three more Biblical Keys to hearing from God. Please share your testimonies with me.
Blessings!
Rodney