How Do We Hear From God?

This is a message from Micah:

There are many different sources which speak to us today. One source is our own heart (Jer 17:9; Prov 14:12). Another source is other people (Genesis 16:1-2). A third source is Satan/demons (Genesis 3:13;3:1). A fourth source is the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:29).

We can rejoice that God speaks to his people, for Jesus said “my sheep hear my voice.”

However, other voices can mimic God’s voice. They might claim to offer answers to our questions, but these answers are false. They might affirm the direction we want to go, even if it’s not God’s will. They might justify disobedience to God.

How can we distinguish God’s voice from other voices?

God’s voice isn’t based on natural ears, but spiritual ears. How do we train our spiritual ears to hear God’s voice?

First, we must be born again (John 5:3).

Second, we need to read God’s word.

Romans 10:17 “Faith comes by hearing, hearing comes by the Word of God.”

The Greek is the same about faith and hearing. Hearing is the precursor to faith; the Word of God is the precursor to hearing. If you want to increase you ability to hear the voice of God, read your Bible.

Third, spiritual gifts can help us distinguish God’s voice from other voices (1 Cor 12:4-8). The spiritual gift of wisdom can help discern when a false voice is mimicking the voice of the Holy Spirit. The gift of knowledge can help reveal when someone is ignoring the voice of God. The gift of prophecy directly reveals what God IS saying.

One thing to think about is that if “God” always ends up leading us to what we want, how do we know our god isn’t our desires? God will call us to crucify our flesh, so if we are actually hearing Gods voice, often it will lead us contrary to our old heart and according to our new heart in Jesus.

There are some hindrances to hearing the voice of God.

Problem #1: Sin

Sin can cut off our ability to hear God’s voice (1 Samuel 28:4-6; Psalm 66:18; Isaiah 59:2)

The solution for sin is confession (1 John 1:9; James 5:16). Another solution is reconciliation with others (Matthew 5:23-24).

Problem #2 Lack of Obedience:

God may not speak more to us if we have yet to obey prior commands (Hebrews 3:7-8; 3:17; 3:19). The Israelites could not continue on with God into the Promise Land because they did not obey His first commands. Though we have “come out of Egypt”, we must walk in continual obedience to continuously hear His voice.

We need to ask God to speak to us (James 4:3). Make sure you are letting your requests be made known to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal wrong motives to your understanding (James 4:3; Psalm 139:23).

Problem #3 Spiritual Warfare:

If there is no unconfessed sin blocking God voice, and no pending commands yet to be obeyed, another potentially hindrance can be principalities and powers in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12;2 Corinthians 10:3-6).

One time Daniel was praying, fasting, and seeking God’s direction. In spite of his right standing before God and obedience to His commands, Daniel had no response to his prayers (Daniel 10:2-3; Daniel 10:12-13).

Because Daniel persevered in prayer and fasting he saw a breakthrough in the spiritual battle. Sometimes we also need to persevere in prayer and fasting.

The promises of God can be a great aid to our perseverance. Cling to them.