Warning: If you don’t believe that you can hear God’s voice then you might need to rethink some things…
In our many years of ministry, I have noticed the eye rolling look when someone gives a testimony, “God spoke to me and told me…” I’ve also noticed how many will avoid the term “spoke” or “speak” but rather use the non-charismatic safe words such as “led” or “impressed”. Ironically, though, there are still some that snicker at those terms as well.
A woman once mocked her pastor when he stated that God led him in a decision to make certain changes. That was a shocker! Shouldn’t a Christian especially a pastor be led by God? Shouldn’t a pastor be listening for God’s voice? Is this another stinkin’ tradition that diminishes God’s ability to communicate to us today? What does the Bible have to say about this?
The term “led” is perfectly acceptable based upon Psalm 23. Christ is our Shepherd and He desires to lead us to where He wants us. This is a no brainer. I’m assured that most of us don’t consider this as weird. Romans 8:14 also supports this concept of being led, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” There should be no snickering with this!
The definition of “impressed” is to affect strongly or to produce an image of. This is a mental word. God does place things into our thoughts to lead us in conversations with others as well as in making correct choices. Haven’t you been in a conversation with someone when a Bible verse will pop into your head to share with them? John 14:26- “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” The word “impressed” is perfectly acceptable as well. No exasperated sighs with this one.
Now here comes the real question, does God speak? Hmm. Well, let’s allow God to SPEAK for Himself!
John 10:27 : My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
1 Kings 19:11-13 : And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
John 16:13 : However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
There are so many other great Bible verses that refers to God’s voice and to His children hearing His voice. Why would God refer to His voice if He didn’t intend to speak? Why does he refer to our ears and hearing if He didn’t intend for us to listen? God is specific in His teachings to us. If He says voice, it’s because He does speak.
How do we hear His voice? Through the most obvious, the Word of God. Secondly, the preaching of God’s Word, in which it’s extremely important to have a pastor who is listening to God’s leadings. The third is the not-so-talked-about-for fear of being charismatic way, the still small voice. Have you ever asked God a question and heard a thought in response? Your imagination? Not likely. Why ask God a question if you don’t expect a response?
For example, when there’s an opportunity for the church to raise their missions support, my husband and I will take a week to separately pray about how much we can give. While praying, God whispers a number in my thoughts. At the end of the week, my husband and I both give the number that was given to us by God. Guess what? The number is the same! Does God speak? Yes, He does, and as His child, I can hear Him. There is nothing shameful in this. It’s Biblical! The idea of scoffing at the idea of God speaking to us is a reaction to the the charismatic movement. We miss out on so much when we limit God in the way He talks to us.
For those who mock and roll their eyes at this Biblical concept, let me ask you this question – what sin is hindering you from hearing Him? Is it tradition that says God doesn’t really “speak”, it’s only your wishful thinking? Or maybe you don’t hear Him because you are not one of His. John 8:47- “He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.”
There is an awesome confidence that comes when you can admit that God leads you, impresses you, and speaks to you! Enjoy listening to His still small voice!
Coffee With God 