Jeremiah 29:13, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
1 Samuel 3:4-7, “Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.” ****And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. Again the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”
“My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” ****Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.”
Everyday God speaks to us and wants to reveal Himself to us. Sometimes He invites us to join Him and participate in His purposes. Sometimes He issues an invitation to draw closer to Him and listen as He shares more about His character and direction. I recognize hearing from God can raise a lot of questions and cause some confusion, but reality is that we can recognize God’s voice just like we do a loved ones: by knowing Him. Here are a few questions to ask if you are hearing from God:
1. Does what I am hearing line up with the Bible?God will never speak or tell us anything that is contrary to His word. But we need to study His word to know if it is consistent.
2. Is what I am hearing consistent with His character?God speaks in accordance with His character. He doesn’t change.
3. Is what I am hearing confirmed through messages at church or my quiet times?When God is speaking to me about a particular issue, it seems I am bombarded with messages. I can’t escape it.
God doesn’t speak audibly, but He does speak. He will give you a sense of “speak to that person about me”, “go tell him that he is doing a good job”, “I am proud of you”, “sit by that person”. Pay attention, God is at work!
Today as you pray ask God to speak and listen. God wants to speak to you; write it down. Then check it out against the questions.
God, speak to me; I want to hear Your voice. When I hear Your voice give me boldness to act.