“Anything that doesn’t reflect the character of God is not a message from Him.”
Priscilla Shirer
We hear God’s voice more often than we realize. If I’m not careful I will miss His gentle nudge, mistaking it for me. I sometimes see a phrase go across my mind like a ticker tape transmitting stock prices over telegraph lines. Other times God will speak to me through impressions, dreams, visions, word pictures or a highlighted Scripture verse. God uses many venues to speak to us, but how do we know if the words are from Him?
God’s voice will never contradict or go against the Word of God, nor will it be inconsistent with God’s character. If it’s from God then it will always be in alignment with Scripture. If a word heaps condemnation upon you then it’s from the enemy, based on Romans 8:1. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Take authority in Christ and silence the enemy prior to listening to God’s voice.
Peace will rule your heart when a word is from God. You may still be fearful to obey, but there’s a ‘knowing’ that it’s from God. Priscilla Shirer says, “Even when doing something that seems impossible, God’s peace will accompany your actions if it is His will.”
If you feel restless and unsure about the word then as the saying goes, “When in doubt, don’t.” If there is a ‘check’ in your spirit, run it by more spiritually mature Christians. Ask God for confirmation.
If God is asking you to do something, then your spouse will also give you a green light. If you’re not in agreement, don’t do it till both of you are in one accord. God is powerful enough to change hearts for the purpose of oneness.
God’s voice often takes me by surprise. The word He gives is bigger than me and requires me to step out in faith to accomplish it. I realize what God’s asking me to do I can’t do in my own power and demands the Holy Spirit to come through.
I don’t accurately hear God 100 percent of the time and I’m sure I periodically mistake my desires for His. What matters is my heart wants to hear His voice in order to obey. What matters to God is that I’m pursuing a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him through sitting still and listening to His voice. What matters is my ears are cocked, ready to hear His whispers.
Join me in this journey to listen to God’s voice. Have a listening mode as your life style and then make it a habit to obey God’s voice. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed and will experience a lifetime full of adventure.
“I know the Lord is speaking to me when what I hear and am led to do cannot be done without His assistance, protection and guidance. He only speaks what brings glory to Himself!”
Bishop Kenneth Ulmer
Relevant Reflections:
1.Which of the guidelines to confirm God’s voice encourages you the most? Why?
2. What will you do this week to instill listening to God’s voice as your lifestyle?