Does God Speak Today?
“He calls his own sheep by name…. his sheep follow him because they know his voice.” John 10:3
Being part of the International Church in Singapore for over two years was a fascinating experience. One time a young believer asked our group: “How can I know Jesus’ voice? I’ve never heard him speaking to me.”
Have you ever wondered that? I think it’s a common question—whether asked out loud in a safe group, or just in your mind.
God, how am I supposed to know what You are saying to me?
I asked God this question a few weeks ago. From being excited about the opportunity to speak about how He works in our lives, I wrestled with whether to back out and break my commitment. Something had happened that robbed me of my desire to speak. And my mind conjured up perfectly rational excuses I could offer for not turning up!
But God spoke! No I didn’t hear a voice, have a dream, or meet someone who declared they were a messenger from God. Here’s how I knew what God wanted me to do:
Huffing and puffing on the treadmill at the gym, I scrolled through the channels available to keep me from dying of boredom—news, old re-runs, cooking, decorating, sales programs, and, wait—some sane Biblical teaching that grabbed my attention.
“If you make a commitment,” said the speaker, “it is a matter of integrity as a Christian that you do what you promised!” Much more was said to amplify the message: If I were to be a woman of my word, a woman who walked with God and did what pleased Him, making excuses was not the way to honor Him. (However, if that commitment did not honor Him, then not keeping it would be an act of courageous obedience).
That same day I read in a favorite Devotional (Streams in the Desert—my paraphrase):
“When you are unsure which course to take, totally submit your own judgement to that of the Spirit of God…. God often guides us through our circumstances… a seemingly trivial incident occurs appearing as nothing to others but speaking volumes to the keen eye of faith.”
Hearing a convicting message on integrity as a godly character quality was not a coincidence! I prayed for guidance about backing out of a commitment, and He spoke. God does this! He uses people, words that are written or spoken, incidents, experiences—and He calls us to pay attention! I gave my talk with confidence and peace that what He gave me to share were words that would encourage those listening. And I felt joy. If you’re asking Jesus to speak, be alert to His voice. It comes through Scripture, so get reading your Bible regularly! It can come through circumstances, and it can come through His inner voice directing you to honor Him despite your feelings!
Qu: How have you experienced God’s voice?
Blessings,
Poppy
For further insights read my book, Reaching Higher.
Photo credit: GraphicStock photo