Hearing God's Voice

Hearing God's voice is crucial for our personal relationship with Him, as there are numerous competing voices. It is essential to discern His voice, as Jesus said, "my sheep hear my voice." Hearing God's voice is for all, not just prophets. If someone claims you cannot hear God's voice, it contradicts biblical teachings. To cultivate this, we need to be guided by sound leaders, as we all have blind spots and are still humans. Having sound leaders is biblical and protects us. The Lord will only speak to His prophets, so it is essential to be in the midst of five-fold ministry.

Why does God speaks to us? To reveal:

1. His CHARACTER

“When Abram was ninety-nine years old the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless,” | Genesis 17:1

“But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” | 1 Peter 1:15–16

2. His PURPOSES

“For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” | Romans 8:29

“But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” | Acts 9:15–16

3. His WAYS

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” | Isaiah 55:8–9

“Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths.” | Psalm 25:4

When God Speaks:

• You will have to believe God is who He says He is.

• You will have to believe God can do what He says He will do.

• You will have to adjust your thinking in light of this belief.

• You will be called upon to obey God, demonstrating your trust in Him.

• When you obey, God will do His work through you and demonstrate that He is who He says He is.

• You will know God by experience.

• You will know He is who He says He is.

Discerning God’s voice enables you to:

• Grow your personal relationship with God.

• Be the person God wants you to be.

• Fulfil the purposes God has for your life.

• Maximise your life’s impact on the lives of others.

The voice of the Lord in Scripture is likened to the sound of a trumpet. Just as there were many purposes for the sounding of the trumpet in Old Testament times, so it is with the voice of the Lord through prophecy as well today.

• The Voice of the Lord is a Trumpet - The Voice of the Lord in Scripture is likened to the sound of a trumpet. Just as there were many purposes for the sounding of the trumpet in Old Testament times, so it is with the Voice of the Lord through prophecy today.

• The voice of the Lord gathers the people together:

“When the trumpet sounds long, they shall come near the mountain”. | Exodus 19:13

• The voice of the Lord alerts the people for war:

“And it happened, when he arrived, that he blew the trumpet in the mountains of Ephraim, and the children of Israel went down with him from the mountains; and he led them. Then he said to them, “Follow me, for the Lord has delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand”. | Judges 3: 27 & 28

• The voice of the Lord lifts up the soul, bringing encouragement and strength for battle:

“When I blow the trumpet, I and all who are with me, then you also blow the trumpets on every side of the whole camp, and say, ‘The sword of the Lord and of Gideon!’ | Judges 7:18

• The voice of the Lord summons others for reinforcement:

“Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us”. | Nehemiah 4:20

• The voice of the Lord declares God’s judgement:

“Cry aloud, spare not; Lift up your voice like a trumpet; Tell My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins”. | Isaiah 58:1

“Set the trumpet to your mouth! He shall come like an eagle against the house of the LORD, because they have transgressed My covenant and rebelled against My law”. | Hosea 8:1

• The voice of the Lord brings warnings from the prophets of God:

“Also, I set watchmen over you, saying, ‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’ But they said, ‘We will not listen". | Jeremiah 6:17

The Importance of Waiting for the Voice of the Lord

When the Israelites defeated Jericho, it was because the Lord had given them the battle plan. But when the people of the Lord went up against Ai, they thought that they knew best. The men who went to spy out the land advised Joshua:

“Do not let all the people go up, but let about two or three thousand men go up and attack Ai. Do not weary all the people there, for the people of Ai are few”. | Joshua 7:3

But it was not seeking the voice of the Lord that caused them to meet in defeat.

“So about three thousand men went up there from the people, but they fled before the men of Ai. And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six men, for they chased them from before the gate as far as Shebarim and struck them down on the descent; therefore, the hearts of the people melted and became like water”. | Joshua 7:4–5

Had Joshua and the people inquired of the Lord, the Lord may have revealed to them that someone had taken of the things forbidden by God, causing them to be defeated in battle.

“And you, by all means, abstain from the accursed things (the things that should have been destroyed and devoted to destruction), lest you become accursed when you take of the accursed things, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it. | Joshua 6:18

“Get up, sanctify the people, and say,'sanctify yourselves for tomorrow, because thus says the Lord God of Israel: there is an accursed thing in your midst, o Israel, you cannot stand before your enemies, until you take away the accursed thing from among you”. | Joshua 7:13

God Appoints Prophets for a Purpose

Man has often foolishly proceeded without waiting to hear the voice of the Lord, as there is a set time and purpose for the release of prophecy. We must trust God that He will speak the right thing at the right time to fulfill His purposes, not ours. It is dangerous for any man to assume to know what the Lord is doing before He has announced it. King Saul was instructed to wait for Samuel the prophet, but when Samuel did not arrive, he followed the compulsion of his heart and tried to fulfill the call of the prophet.

“Then he (Saul) waited seven days, according to the time set by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the people were scattered from him. So Saul said, ‘Bring a burnt offering and peace offerings here to me.’ And he offered the burnt offering. Now it happened, as soon as he had finished presenting the burnt offering, that Samuel came, and Saul went out to meet him so that he might greet him. And Samuel said, ‘What have you done?’ Saul said, ‘When I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered together at Michmash, then I said, ‘The Philistines will now come down on me at Gilgal, and I have not made supplication to the Lord.’ Therefore, I felt compelled and offered a burnt offering’. | 1 Samuel 13:8–12

Because of the pride and presumption of Saul’s own heart, the kingdom that would have been established forever as his was given to another.

“And Samuel said to Saul, ‘You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God, which He commanded you. For now, the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. ‘But now your kingdom will not continue. The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you". | 1 Samuel 13:13–14

For His purposes, God has set the members of the body, each one in his place:

“But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.” | 1 Corinthians 12:18

“And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, and varieties of tongues”. | 1 Corinthians 12:2

God's appointments are by grace and are set to fulfill His purposes, not those of others. Interfering with these appointments can lead to people following another's voice. The presence of anointing distinguishes between corporate and personal Words from the Lord. It's important to distinguish between corporate words and personal Words, and not make major decisions based on them. The Bible promises confirmation through two or three witnesses, so be cautious about corporate words released on social media.

This is the third time I am coming to you.In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established | 2 Corinthians 13:1.

Being in the presence of God is crucial for power, healing, breakthrough, answers, direction, and guidance. Recognizing the anointing of God is essential, as some spaces carry the presence while others don't. This can only be learned through practice. If we believe the Word of God is to be spoken out publicly, but we cannot accurately and fluently speak it, it will be difficult for the people to understand the message. Whether the word is given in words or pen, we must learn to flow with the anointing and be empowered by it to ensure clear understanding. Paul's principle applies to prophecy, but the principle remains the same. To learn, one needs to be trained and equipped, and come under strong leadership.

“Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played? If the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle? So likewise, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? You will be speaking into the air”. | 1 Corinthians 14:7-9

The anointing of God's Word allows us to release its power, allowing us to understand it clearly. The Holy Spirit brings forth the word, driving it forward. God's Word always reveals His Heart, and prophecy, another form of the Lord's communication through the Prophet, reveals His Heart. Hearing the voice of our Heavenly Father should be a natural part of believers' lives, as Jesus said:

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." | John 10:27

We may struggle to hear well due to fear of our Heavenly Father's voice or His rebuke. God rebukes and corrects us out of love, and as a leader, we must correct if necessary, as we love and care for our souls.

There can be blocks to hearing the Lord’s voice.

1. Lack of intimacy and a strong walk with the Lord

2. Lack of knowledge of the word of God

3. Lack of healing and deliverance: undealt with wounds and trauma from the past, some even from childhood

4. Lack of sound leadership who moves in the five-fold ministry

5. Lack of obedience

6. A hardened heart

Don’t forget the father’s heart.

God loves us as His children, just as our natural fathers corrected us out of love for our good, and we respect them for it.

“And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, ‘My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastens everyone He accepts as His son’. Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as His children. What children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of Spirits and live? They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in His holiness”. | Hebrews 12:5–10

Our heavenly Father’s voice is never separated from His love.

Bad experiences with our father can negatively impact our relationship with God and other spiritual authorities. Love is free from fear, but perfect love casts out fear, as fear involves torment. Those who fear have not been made perfect in love.

We come with hearts ready to receive.

Receiving God's word and servants is crucial for its effectiveness. Some individuals may struggle to fully receive due to trauma or trauma-related issues, requiring inner healing and deliverance. As we enter His courts with praise, we expect the King's arrival with open hearts and eagerness to receive His Word. We can trust that God already knows our needs and is ready to answer on our behalf. In essence, we must receive and execute according to God's will.

Do not limit God with your own understanding.

Jesus' teachings on the importance of prayer and the significance of prayer are echoed in today's world. It is not about the appearance of a person, but rather their heart and understanding of God's message. This is evident in the example of Mary, who pondered and worshipped the Lord while leaning on his staff.

When God speaks, it is expected that He uses a language that everyone can understand. The essence of God's principles remains the same, and He applies them to the individual needs of men. Even though one person may speak, the inner witness of the one receiving it confirms it. The Lord will interpret for each person according to their needs.

As God reveals His heart to us as individuals, our praise towards Him naturally flows, as we rejoice and worship Him as our individual needs are met. However, it is important not to limit God in the way He speaks to us. He wants us to grow from glory to glory and may need more interpretation and understanding as we grow in Him.

Sometimes, we may wait for God to speak to us about a matter, but the answer may already be in the Bible or in the present circumstance. In such cases, the answer may be right in front of us.

Continue to Sow the Word

Do not fear the opposition of others, but continue to sow the word. One may reap a hundredfold; another may reap ten.

“But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred”. | Mark 4:20

Whether in private or in public, continue to sow His word.

“But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully”. | 2 Corinthians 9:6

To him who is trustworthy, much more will be given.

“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things; I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord". | Matthew 25:23

Also, be a giver; giving releases the hand of God in our lives; the protection of God (Malachi); and a channel. There are four different types of giving: tithes, offerings, alms, and first fruits.

The different ways God speaks:

God has spoken to us numerous times in the Old and New Testaments, using various ways to communicate with us. He is not limited in resources, but we need to listen attentively to hear His voice amidst the noise in our lives. God's voice can still be heard in various ways, demonstrating His versatility in communication.

Let’s take a look at 20 different ways God still speaks to people today.

1. The Bible

The Holy Bible is God's primary way of communicating with us, serving as a guide for us to reach Him, the only true God. God chose to reveal Himself to us, and no one could force Him to do so. There are two types of revelation: general revelation, which is the creation, providing clues about God but not enough to establish a relationship, and special revelation, which is the direct revelation from the Holy Spirit to human authors. To hear God speak to us, it is essential to go to the Bible, as it is the best way for Christians to learn more about God and listen to His voice. Without knowing the word and hearing the teachings and preaching, one cannot grow in their ability to hear God's voice.

2. Prayer

Prayer is a dialogue with God, not a monologue. It involves listening to Him and seeking His answers. God may provide a passage from Scripture or use another believer to deliver a message. It's important to validate the Bible's answers to ensure understanding and obedience. Prayer times should be special moments to connect with God and listen to His voice. Avoid distractions and create a habit of daily prayer, seeking Him in prayer.

3. Jesus Christ

God the Father has communicated to us through His Son, Jesus Christ. His birth created a unique bond between God and humans, and the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, was first communicated to us by Him personally. Jesus is our merciful and faithful High Priest, sympathizing with our weaknesses. His words are God's words, and he revealed the Father to us due to his divine nature. He revealed the love of the Father for us, and through Him, we have direct communication with God. Jesus is the only way to our Heavenly Father, and today, we can listen to the voice of the Lord.

4. The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit, a divine gift, is present in us and can be seen through the gift of speaking in other tongues. The Day of Pentecost marks the first time the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Church, as they were filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues. The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit performs numerous functions for us. Jesus stated in John 3:5 that to enter the kingdom of God, one must be born of water and the Spirit. This is a crucial salvation issue, as it requires both being born of water and the Spirit, which is the gift of tongues. Prayer can be a means to receive this gift.

• He dwells in every true believer (John 14:17; Romans 8:9).

• He is the comforter Jesus promised (John 14:16).

• He is that still small voice inside of us that reveals God’s truth to us. That means He guides us to do what pleases the Lord and warns us against doing what doesn’t (John 16:13).

• He is also the one who gives us access to the Father through Jesus (Ephesians 2:18).

• He listens to our prayers and intercedes for us (Romans 8:26–27). The Holy Spirit makes it possible that we have communication with the Father through Jesus Christ.

5. Sermons (the preaching and teaching of His word)

God uses sermons to communicate with us through the preaching of Scripture, allowing us to better understand and apply Bible verses to our lives. Bible-based sermons are essential for God to communicate with us through His chosen ministers. However, it is important to check if each message is correct by biblical standards and beware of false prophets who manipulate the Bible to teach heresies. False prophets often claim to bring a "new revelation" and should be tossed away. It is crucial not to have a mix of voices, as this can cause confusion and be dangerous. God is a God of order, and it is essential to serve under one leader and be faithful. This is where spiritual nourishment and miracles follow, and the prophetic flow flows. The five-fold ministry functions in the right biblical order, ensuring that we are served in a way that pleases the Lord.

6. Godly Teachers

Godly teachers in local churches teach about God, His kingdom, Christian life, and Scripture's history. Bible classes by these teachers provide an opportunity to listen to God's voice and grow in faith. If your church lacks teachers or systematic Bible classes, consult your pastor for alternatives. You can also learn from online resources or participate in classes from other churches or institutions, ensuring they are trustworthy sources.

7. Wise Counsel

Leaders in your life can provide prophetic truths that resonate with you. Pastors, elders, spiritual leaders, and older men and women serve as human counselors. Listening to wise counsel helps grow and mature in faith, making it essential for any believer. You can also be a counsellor yourself.

8.The Testimonies of Other Believers

The testimonies of believers in the Bible, history, and communities serve as a powerful way for God to communicate with us. By reading or listening to their stories, we strengthen our faith and are encouraged to face our own challenges.

9. Our Own Experience

Testimonies provide a glimpse into the Lord's voice, highlighting His forgiveness, guidance, love, and protection. Despite the details, we can remember God's provision and care. The Holy Spirit's presence in our lives serves as a reminder of our loving Father, as emphasized in Romans 8:15.

10. The Creation

Paul emphasized that God's invisible qualities were revealed through His creation, highlighting His power and wisdom. Although we cannot see God with our physical eyes, observing God's creation allows us to recognize His existence. This general revelation, which scholars call "general revelation," is a way to learn about God without written words.

11. Good Books

Good writers have the ability to communicate with our souls, especially when they are Christian authors. They can bring messages of faith, hope, encouragement, and comfort. Books can serve as a bridge between us and authors we may not have met otherwise, allowing God to use our connection to communicate with us.

12. Good worship music

Music has a profound impact on individuals, regardless of their genre or preferences. It is especially powerful when it is written to praise and worship the Lord, urging us to connect with Him. Regardless of our circumstances, a song that resonates with us can help us sing out to Him, feel His presence, and hear His quiet voice.

13. Dreams

The Bible reveals instances where God communicated with humans through dreams, sometimes revealing future events or giving instructions. It's not about having a special gift of dreams; it's God who chooses how He communicates with us. If you suspect a dream might be a message from God, consult your pastor and ensure it aligns with the Bible's teachings before taking any action. If it doesn't, dismiss it.

14. Circumstances

God sometimes communicates through circumstances, which can be difficult to identify and understand. For instance, if you're struggling to accomplish something you planned, pray about it. It may be God's warning or a different approach. To avoid overemphasizing a situation, always pray and consult your pastor or spiritual leader for guidance. This will help you make the right decision and avoid overemphasizing the situation.

15. Promises Fulfilled

God's promises in the Bible communicate His faithfulness and trustworthiness. Many of these promises have already been fulfilled, and some are still valid today. Our hope is based on these promises, and we can trust that God will continue to fulfill His promises in our lives, as He has already fulfilled many of His promises.

16. History

God is in control of everything, guiding us as individuals and shaping humanity as a whole. Through the history of civilizations, we can see God's actions in the past, even if they seem like lucky accidents. History reveals how many prophecies made long ago were fulfilled, providing insight into the Lord's plan for humanity. The past helps us understand God's message, which has been echoed in Scripture throughout human history.

17. Our Internal Moral Compass

God communicates with both believers and non-believers through the Holy Spirit, who guides us through our inner sense of right and wrong. Even non-believers have an internal moral compass that provides guidance on what God approves or disapproves of. Despite human tendency to ignore this guidance and sin, God's voice remains present.

18. Suffering

God speaks to us through various means, including through suffering. Suffering can be challenging to listen to, but it is also a time when He is working deeper in our lives. God uses our circumstances to communicate with us and allows suffering to fulfill His plans. We may have brought pain into our lives through sin, but it can teach, discipline, and bring us closer to God. Seeking Him harder during suffering can help us find what we need.

19. Joy

The Bible states that all good things come from God, and everything that brings joy to our lives comes from Him. However, humans often seek joy outside of the joy-giver, pursuing things like money, sex, power, and pleasures. By understanding that these things come from God, we can use them according to His will, making them blessings in our lives and not idols. By finding joy in Him, every good thing brings us joy and reminds us of our loving Father's goodness.

20. Love

God is love, and through His grace, He allows all creatures to share His love. As His children, we are called to love first God, then our neighbors as we love ourselves. When we are loved by others, we should remember that we are receiving the precious gift of God's love, which is the gift to the world.

God also speaks through signs, wonders, and miracles—through repetitive, recurring things or events.

Heb 2:4 states that God testified to the Word through signs, wonders, miracles, and distributions of the Holy Spirit according to His own will. It is crucial to navigate this balance and avoid being sign seekers or prophecy seekers. Instead, we should focus on Jesus, seeking the kingdom of God and righteousness, rather than money, status, careers, or education. It is essential to discern God's perfect will for us at all times and pursue God's blessings. Our motives should be right and in the right order, and we must completely surrender to His will, including His way and timing. We should die to ourselves daily, living a completely surrendered life. This highlights the importance of living a life that is in line with God's will and timing.

How to hear God’s voice:

1. Position yourself close to God.

Intimacy is crucial and requires sacrifice, time, energy, and resources. Prioritizing God's relationship with oneself is essential, as it can be a distraction from the devil. Spending more time with God is similar to getting to know someone in person. As Samuel learned, setting up in the temple, where the ark of God was, would eventually lead to God's presence. Personal devotions and regular church attendance can help one establish a place where God is, similar to how Samuel set up in the temple. By prioritizing God's presence, individuals can grow closer to Him.

2. Find a place of regular service to God; find the right ministry and leader to come under and give of yourself there.

In verse 1, Samuel ministered to the LORD in the presence of Eli, emphasizing that to hear God's voice, one must be doing God's things, and if one isn't serving, they're not hearing God's voice.

3. Listen for God’s voice.

Eli was too focused on his own interests to hear God's words, and when God began speaking, he was not listening. To truly hear God's words, we must slow down, take time to get close to Him, and listen to prayer, not just talking all the time. This two-way interaction is crucial for gaining God's guidance.

4. When God calls, respond eagerly.

Samuel was immediately receptive to the voice of the Lord, demonstrating the importance of being prepared to act on His guidance. God desires wisdom to guide individuals in various aspects of life, including family, work, church, and personal life.

5. When God speaks, obey Him, and swiftly—remember, delayed obedience is also disobedience.

Samuel consistently obeyed the Lord, following His instructions, and from then on, the Lord remained with him. His words were unshaken, and the Lord remained with him. Disobeying God is the quickest way to turn off His voice.

6. Read and study the Word of God.

The Bible reveals that after God spoke to Samuel, He continued to appear at Shiloh and revealed Himself to him through His Word, emphasizing the importance of understanding the Bible for divine communication.

Prayer

Dear Lord, You are speaking to me, providing wisdom to guide me in various aspects of life. I do not want to struggle to hear You anymore. Teach me to distinguish Your voice so that I can have the wisdom of God guide and protect me, leading to a radically transformed life. And when I am able to hear You and hear You clearly, give me strength to be a child that executes what You say—a doer of the Word. I ask for your guidance in all areas of my life, and I choose to listen, Lord, and act quickly on your guidance. In Jesus name, Ame