.png)
Hearing from God
- Alicia Searl
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
By Karen Ferguson
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27
“I don’t think God still speaks to His people that way.” This is something I heard one of my extended family members say, and it didn’t sit right with me. In fact, it made me sad. We live in a world of such confusion with many differing opinions and voices, that, even in the church, it can sometimes be difficult to discern the truth.
I don’t know about you, but I want to walk in God’s truth. I need God’s guidance to know the direction I should take about things that aren’t laid out clearly in His Word. Things like relationships, career, family, and ministry opportunities. There are challenges and decisions we face that don’t have clear answers in the Bible - yet we need His guidance. The good news is, God still speaks!
I’ll admit though, sometimes I wish it was easier discerning God’s voice. I would like God to be more specific and His voice a little louder. Of course, we must deal with the elephant in the room. For most of us, we are so busy rushing through the day that we don’t spend enough time in prayer. Other times, we’re good at rolling out our laundry lists to God, but don’t give Him the space to speak.
So, how does God speak? In the Bible it shows He speaks in many different ways:
Through Angels (Genesis 32:22-32/Luke 1:13-17)
In Dreams (Genesis 37:5-10/Matthew 2:12)
A Talking Donkey? Yes, God really can use anyone or anything! (Numbers 22:21-35)
Verbally (Genesis 12:1-4/Acts 9:3-6)
Through Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Through His Creation (Psalm 19:1-2)
Through His Holy Spirit (John 14:26)
I have found over the last 35 years of seeking God that hearing Him is a learning process. While there is no one way or simple formula for hearing God, there are certain principles that will help us better discern His Voice. One that I’d like to focus on is obedience.
One of my favorite pastors said something that has stuck with me over the years. He said that the more we step out to obey God’s still small voice, immediately, the more often we will hear from God. I have found that to be true.
About a year ago, I had a desire to start a podcast that would complement my writing endeavors and focus on building strong families. However, whenever it came to mind I would doubt that I’d have what it takes to start one from the ground up. So I gave that desire to God and asked that He’d make it clear if He wanted me to step out in faith. Within a few months, I heard from a friend looking for someone to take over her 5-Minute Parenting podcast. Is this a sign, Lord? Is it confirmation from you? I prayed about it, and waited a few days and felt that precious peace I knew to be from God, so I said, "Yes!"
Fast forward a couple months just before the hand off, and little doubts started to creep in. Can I really pull this off? I’ve never done anything like this before. I’m not super tech-y, and I don’t feel qualified. Isn’t that how the enemy works when we’re ready to step into something new? Well, it was one of those days when I was feeling vulnerable and doubting my decision. I was so discouraged that I remember saying a simple prayer of faith:
God, with the way I feel right now, I am ready to send an email saying I won’t be able to take over the podcast. If you are truly calling me to do this, then give me a sign. Some sort of confirmation.
That very day, I received that confirmation in a simple and sweet conversation with my daughter. So I obeyed and stepped out in faith no matter how I felt about my qualifications or abilities (or lack thereof ). I look back and praise God for speaking to me; otherwise, I would’ve missed out on a great blessing.
How about you? Do you need to hear from God but struggle to discern His Voice? God is faithful and I have no doubt He wants to speak to you, and He will if you spend time in His Word, and invite Him to speak with the intent to obey, even if it feels uncomfortable. Just like any muscle, our spiritual ears will become stronger the more we seek Him. And if you’re afraid of discerning wrong, know that God is absolutely good. He promises to work all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
That same pastor who talked about immediate obedience made another good point. He said if you haven’t heard God speak in a while, check your heart. Repent of any known sin, then go back to the last thing God spoke to you. Was there something God asked you to do that you haven’t done yet? If so, step out in faith, and do it!
Just like a good earthly father, our Heavenly Father desires to communicate with us through His Holy Spirit, whom He has given to us as a special gift. Draw near to the Father today and hear His words of love, truth, and guidance.
Karen Ferguson is a writer, host of the 5-Minute Parenting podcast, and the author of the Questions for Kids picture book series. A lover of words, family, animals, and Jesus, Karen is a passionate advocate for truth that transforms lives. Her faith in God and background in K-8 education inspires her mission to share God’s unchangeable truths and His unchanging love with the next generation. You can follow Karen on Facebook, and Instagram and sign up for her free newsletter to be the first to know about special events, book updates, freebies and giveaways.
