Recognizing the voice of God February 14, 2007
Posted by Han in : Relationship with God , trackbackLet me share to you a story about a man and the flood. Once there was a heavy downpour and there was this man living at his house. His neighbor came and called him to pack his bag and leave because the heavy downpour with turn into terrible flood. But he refused to leave thinking that God will come save him.
He prayed God come and save me. But after some times the water level rose to a higher level (probably at the waist) and there was this person came by the boat. He said, come quickly, come into our boat. But he still refused, thinking that God will come and save him.
The water level continues to rise and it is now above the head and this man climbed up to the rooftop. Then the helicopter came to save him but he still refused their help thinking that God is coming to save him. Unfortunately he drowned. He died and went up to heaven. He was angry and he asked God, why didn’t you save me? But God said I’ve sent three lifelines but you simply refuse to be helped!
This story is a bit ridiculous but it’s worth pondering about it. Isn’t this the kind of frustration we often face in our Christian walk! We prayed and we waited and waited but no answer and no help (where answer and help could be just beside us). We are lost and we don’t know what to do!
We wonder – does God ever speak?
I want to share one of the most important topics in our Christian walk - recognizing the voice of God. We need to hear the voice of God in many areas of our life. But often we miss it and we are left alone facing the problem. Therefore we need to be sensitive to the voice of God. We need to know how God is speaking to us. God is a creative God. He is not limited to only one way. He can speak to us in many ways. The problem is that we are deaf to his leading.
There are 8 ways that God can speak to us:
(Strictly speaking, God is not limited by only 8 ways; I can only share those that are common to me.)
1) Personal conviction – witness of the Spirit
It could be an impression/touch, a gentle urging voice in your heart, dream or vision. Personal conviction must come first. We must first have some inward assurance of what God wants before anything else can follow. It actually comes from waiting on God. Obtaining this inner knowing of what you feel God wants you to do can be achieved by times of waiting on God, fervently praying and seeking the face of God.
2) Confirmation in the word of God
The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. Psalm 119:130
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105
With an inward conviction, or, a voice or prophecy can lead one astray if it is not in agreement with the word of God. Therefore the word of God acts as a base or a check point. Whatever thing we received, we must make sure that it does not go against the bible. That is why we often encourage people to read the word of God. We must note that there is no leading of God that will ever contradict His word.
3) Prophetic confirmation
Prophecy must confirm with the inward conviction, which in turn has lined up with God’s word. Do not get this order reversed. Many people run after prophecy first. It’s easy, shortcut – no need to spend time in prayer, waiting and seeking God.
4) Godly counsel
For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure. Proverbs 11:14
This is often rejected by many (due to pride and stubbornness). As a result, people are spiritually making shipwreck (The destruction of a ship, as by storm or collision) of their lives and ministry. Godly counsel is very important – it is precious help, advises, teaching and correction from our respected pastor, cell group leader, matured Christians or parents. It will save our lives, avoid unnecessary problem and make us wise. Prophet Nathan confronted David for his sin. Timothy received a lot of advice and teaching from his spiritual father, Paul.
But we have to be careful when listening to advises because some people actually give wrong advises. One more thing, do not cultivate the habit of constantly asking people for advises without first praying and seeking God. Imagine going from one person to another, by the end of the day, we are very confused! In this case, we are not walking with God but very dependence upon people!
5) Circumstantial evidence
This is a confirming circumstance. When you are walking in the center of God’s will, having an inward conviction, and perhaps prophetic confirmation and godly counsel, all lining up with scripture, you will often begin to see definite confirming circumstances.
But be careful, there may be exception!
There are times in our walk with God, though God has spoken to you but every circumstance are going against you. Deep down within you know (very, very, very sure) that God has spoken to you but everything is still against you. But don’t lose heart, it could be a testing period, timing issue or breaking of our “self”. Don’t give-up. Just wait. It wasn’t easy for Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Though God has spoken but Pharaoh obviously go against it! Everything went wrong for Job!
There are times when God uses circumstances to correct and wake us up. Jonah was swallowed by a big fish because of his disobedience. The nation of Israel was conquered by the enemies due to their sins (at the later part). They were sent to exile.
6) The peace of God
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
The peace of God is our umpire. The peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Sometime, when we want to do something, we don’t have the peace. Our hearts are troubled! But sometime we have that comfortable peaceful feeling.
7) God’s provision
Look for God’s provision in the direction in which we are headed. Hudson Taylor said – God’s work, done in God’s time, in God’s way will never lack God’s provision. But sometimes, he doesn’t provide when we are not walking in His will anymore.
8) Silent guidance – nothing!
This is like Joseph in Pharaoh’s prison, unable to find a single light for direction, not knowing what in the world is going on or which way to go. If we are currently facing this, then:
1) Hang on in faith.
If our life is committed to God and we are not walking in willful rebellion against the will of God, then know that God is still guiding.
2) He is always there.
The LORD will guide you always… Isaiah 58:11
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:2
Conclusion
God does speak. We can hear Him. In fact Jesus said my sheep listen to my voice (John 10:27). We need to learn how to hear from God. The only thing is that we need to find out the contrite way which God is speaking to us. God, help us.
All the Best,
Han
Related Article: Discovering the joy of reading the word of God (Part 1)
Comments»
Hi, this is awesome! I’m so blessed by this!
Can I refer to your website from time to time for some materials to add to my cell preaching?
Keith recommended your site thru multiply :)
Hi Sherene, I am glad that you find this website useful. Please go ahead and use it for your personal growth and cell preaching. God bless!
My friend’s aunt saids that whenever we face any probelms or decisions, and to pray to Him, He would give us three times of verification to tell us what is the right thing to do. Is that the truth?
Dear Xinfang, your friend’s aunt made some important pointer. It is true that you need to have verification or confirmation when making a decision and perhaps a few times (not necessary 3 times). Why a few times? You may be confused or pressured and thought that it was God but actually it was not. It is from your self, maybe your liking or preference. Sometime you may not have the luxury of time but one golden rule applies – Philippians 4:7. The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. If you did not receive any confirmation and time is running out then you will have to go by the peace of God in your heart. If you are disturbed it does indicate some form of warning signal. Therefore you must be sensitive to God’s leading and this is developed through our relationship with God.
This message makes me sit and think, how many times has God spoke to me and I’ve simply ignored him.