Hearing God's Voice

As a teenager I was always so confused why I could not audibly hear God’s voice. I thought if I was truly saved that I would be able to hear God clearly speaking to me. For years I struggled with doubt because I did not want to share with anyone that “God did not speak to me”. When I finally talked to my mentor about how I was struggling she asked me, “When was the last time you read your Bible?.” I was embarrassed to answer that it had been months since I opened my Bible and spent intentional time with God. She told me, “How do you have a conversation with someone if you do not spend any time with them?” And that truth hit me like a truck! God still desires to be with us even when we are distant from Him, but I was not intentionally seeking out God. I was just sitting around waiting for this crazy moment to happen. Maybe you can relate to something similar. Maybe you've prayed for direction about your family, your career, a relationship, or simply your next step. You open your Bible hoping a verse will jump off the page. You wait in silence, but instead of hearing God's voice, all you hear is your own thoughts.

If you've ever felt that way, you're not alone.

One of the greatest misconceptions many Christian women believe is that hearing God's voice is reserved for the "super spiritual." We imagine that pastors, missionaries, or Bible scholars have a direct line to heaven while the rest of us are left wondering if God has forgotten our number. Scripture actually tells us a different story.

Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27, ESV).

Notice He didn't say some of His sheep. He said My sheep. If you belong to Christ, He desires to lead you. The question isn't whether God speaks, it's whether we're learning to recognize His voice. Sometimes we're looking for a dramatic sign while God has already given us His clearest message. The Bible is God's living Word. Every page reveals His character, His promises, His wisdom, and His heart. Before we seek a special word from God, we should become familiar with the words He has already spoken.

The more time we spend in Scripture, the easier it becomes to recognize His voice in everyday life. Just as a child instantly recognizes her mother's voice in a crowded room, we begin to recognize our Father's voice because we've spent time listening.

God will never tell us something that contradicts His Word. His guidance will always align with His character.

When you're unsure if what you're sensing is from God, ask yourself:

• Does this align with Scripture?

• Does it reflect God's character?

• Does it lead me toward obedience and love?

• Would wise, godly believers affirm this direction?

God welcomes those questions and desires for us to take those questions to Him.

The beautiful truth of the gospel is that Jesus made a way for us to know the Father personally. Through the Holy Spirit, we have continual access to God's presence.

You don't have to strive for His attention. You already have His heart.

Friend, if you've been wondering whether God still speaks, take heart.

He has not stopped speaking.

The invitation has always been the same:

"Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you" (James 4:8).

Prayer Points:

• Father, quiet the noise around me and within me. Help me to recognize Your voice above every distraction and give me a heart that is eager to listen and quick to obey. Teach me to delight in Your presence more than I desire immediate answers.

• Lord, give me discernment to know what is from You and what is not.

• God, when You speak, give me the courage to respond with faith. Even when the path is uncertain or uncomfortable, help me trust that Your plans are good. Strengthen me to take each step in obedience, believing that You are directing my way.

Heavenly Father, There is so much noise competing for my attention. Help me recognize Your voice above every other voice. Give me a heart that loves Your Word and a spirit that is willing to obey, even when I don't have all the answers. Teach me to trust You in the waiting and to walk confidently wherever You lead. Thank You that You are a good Shepherd who never stops caring for Your children.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Haley Thorpe

Flourish Women’s Ministry  

Mid-Way Baptist Church