Is That You God?
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:
Hebrews 4: 12
Psalm 119: 105
2 Timothy 3:16
2 Corinthians 3:18
SHOW NOTES:
As Christians, we all want to hear and obey God’s plan for our lives. However, even as you mature and develop in your Christian walk, it can be challenging to learn how to listen for the voice of God. You may have even found yourself asking whether what you’re hearing is really Him.
When discerning God's voice, you may wonder if His voice will be audible or how He will respond. Another challenge in discerning God’s voice is differentiating between His voice of conviction and the enemy's voice of condemnation. While the battle between the voices never goes away, what changes is your ability to recognize one from the other.
To sift through the many questions surrounding hearing the voice of God, it’s important to know how God primarily speaks to His children.
1. God speaks through His Word
God gave us His Word which is the truth that is living and active (Hebrews 4:12). God never contradicts His Word. If you feel God is giving you a directive or instruction that goes against something in His word, know you’re not hearing God correctly. God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119: 105). His Word will illuminate the direction you should go in your life. When reading God’s Word, keep it simple. When you’re familiar with God’s Word, you will be more familiar with His character and thus be able to hear God’s voice more clearly.
2. God speaks through the power of the Holy Spirit.
The moment you become a Christian, the Holy Spirit resides in you as a helper. Sanctification is one of the works of the Holy Spirit– helping us transform our relationship with God and bring us closer to Christ’s image. The Holy Spirit will equip and train us in righteousness. Even during the sanctification process, you will experience peace, hope, and love
3. God speaks through prayer. As you prioritize prayer in your Christian walk, God will start to give you direction, wisdom, and instruction in different areas of your life. Don’t overcomplicate prayer; it’s simply having a conversation with God. He is your friend!
By knowing some of the ways that God speaks to His children, your relationship with God will continue to grow and flourish as you become more and more like Him. Don’t get stuck in the trap of condemnation, don’t overcomplicate it–simply read the Word, tune into Holy Spirit, and develop a prayer life, and you can be sure you’ll grow in the things of God.