Have you ever, like me, wondered how to know a certain decision or feeling to do something is from God? Everyone in church always said to listen to God's voice, but what does it sound like? Have you ever wondered if He is really leading you since you never heard an audible voice?
1 Samuel 3:10 The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
People in the Bible heard the Lord's voice in many different ways, depending on the situation. Some heard audible voices maybe. Others felt a nudging in their heart.
Exodus 3:2-6 (NKJV)
And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed. Then Moses said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.”
So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!”
And he said, “Here I am.”
Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.” Moreover He said, “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God.
Moses heard God through the burning bush. God wanted to get his attention, so he made a bush lit up with fire that did not consume the bush. I'm pretty sure that anyone would stop and stare at a sight like that!
Numbers 22:28-33 (NKJV)
Then the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?”
And Balaam said to the donkey, “Because you have abused me. I wish there were a sword in my hand, for now I would kill you!”
So the donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your donkey on which you have ridden, ever since I became yours, to this day? Was I ever disposed to do this to you?”
And he said, “No.”
Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the way with His drawn sword in His hand; and he bowed his head and fell flat on his face. And the Angel of the Lord said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to stand against you, because your way is perverse before Me. The donkey saw Me and turned aside from Me these three times. If she had not turned aside from Me, surely I would also have killed you by now, and let her live.”
God made a donkey speak to Balaam to get his attention, as well! Can you imagine your disbelieving expression at a talking donkey?
Genesis 40:8 (NKJV)
And they said to him, “We each have had a dream, and there is no interpreter of it.”
So Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell them to me, please.”Joseph was able to hear from God through dreams and being able to interpret others' dreams for the future. God prepared Joseph to use his gifts for good, instead of bragging to his brothers.
He spoke to Noah 5 times over 950 years, Abraham 8 times over 175 years, Isaac 2 times and 1 time to Rebekah over 180 years, Jacob 7 times and 1 time to Laban over Jacob's lifetime.
God may also be silent during a trial, waiting for you to come to Him.
He spoke more through His Holy Spirit in the New Testament after His crucifixion, than the Old. Him speaking was more obvious in the Old Testament, but He still speaks to us today!
2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
Romans 15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
The Bible is God's Word in writing!
He also speaks to use through the gifts that His Spirit has sent to all of Jesus' followers!
In my own personal life, I've heard God speak and lead me to many difficult decisions throughout my life as a Christian. He speaks to us the through our interests many times. For me, it is music and Bible verses. My favorite radio stations are Air1 and K-Love. Many times when I was worrying about a situation or a decision that had to be made soon, a song (or series of songs) came on the radio that fit perfectly with the current situation. I knew it was God because my heart was open to Him, and I do not believe in coincidences, only God-incidences!
Other times, I've seen reassuring Bible verses pop up everywhere in regards to other situations. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Friends, and other internet sites.
I've recently actually been thinking a lot about purity. I received a purity ring for Christmas and I always agreed with what it meant, but never thought too much into it. I have had a lot of issues with lusting over guys in the past, and it did not lead to the best moments in my life... I believe with purity, we must have a pure mind and heart as well as the rest of our body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s." (NKJV)
In coming to my decision and New Years Resolution to focus more on God than on guys, I have become more happy and comfortable around guys. God heals us in so many different ways, as long as we obey and let Him!
Do not become discouraged! God will give us the desires of our heart (Psalm 37:4). If we ask anything in His name, it will be done (John 14:13). As long as we are serious about wanting to hear from Him, and can wait at the feet of our Lord and Savior for His timing, He will speak to your heart.
In Mark 14:32-38, Jesus was in Gethsemane and told His disciples to sit and watch as He communed with His Father. He prayed a prayer ranging from 20-23 words, and sat there for an hour! Jesus listened more than He spoke! That is the key to hearing God's voice.
Luke 8:18 "Take heed how you hear..." How do we hear?
Jeremiah 29:13 -- Through our heart!
Those verses convinced me that what I've been feeling of my Resolution to have a pure heart and mind, is a word from God to me. I want to obey and eagerly hear what God has to teach me this upcoming year!
Happy 2014! Hope it's a great year for everyone!
