“When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. Then the Lord God called to the man, ‘Where are you?’ He replied, ‘I heard You walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.’” (Genesis 3:8-10 NLT)
When God speaks, we should listen, not run, even if we’ve sinned. We sometimes like to pretend God didn’t speak, when He clearly has, often because we know He won’t be happy with us. How do we know that? Because we’ve disobeyed a clear instruction from His Word.
There are some characteristics of God’s voice that help us identify that it’s Him and not indigestion, our conscience, or echoes from past experiences. In much the same way as I don’t have to ask if it’s my wife when she calls, and yes, I have caller ID, but that’s not the reason – I recognize her unique voice because I’ve heard it so often.
When my son was first diagnosed with leukemia, the only other person I’d known who had the same disease was a friend in 8th grade, and he only lived about six months. In my mind the doctor had pronounced a death sentence over my son, but a few days later I got a call from an “angel.” It wasn’t an angel from heaven, she was an “angel” from the hospital, but her voice was that of an angel to me.
Clear, strong, compassionate, understanding, informative, hopeful. In my mind I was thinking: “You mean he has a chance to live?” The voice belongs to the love of my life, my wife of more than 30 years who was a Pediatric Oncology Nurse for many years. I have never forgotten that voice and it needs no introduction when she calls. What’s my point?
After more than 60 years I recognize the voice of God, and you can too. Let me share a few characteristics that I hope will be helpful for you to discern the voice of God apart from all the other “voices” that vie for your attention.
First, the voice of God is clear. Adam heard God’s voice, and it was unmistakable. God still has a unique and recognizable voice. While to me He speaks softly it’s always “loud” enough to arrest my spirit and get my attention. Honestly, it took a long time before I finally figured out it was God, but now that I’ve learned to listen, it’s crystal clear.
The Lord doesn’t speak randomly. It may seem random, but His voice always addresses something pertinent in our life. It may be a message for you or one He wants to deliver through you, but it will be clear and to the point.
Related to that, it will be timely. God’s messages are never early or late; they’re always right on time. Over the years I’ve learned to love writing but never thought of starting a blog, I didn’t even know what a blog was. But a friend made the suggestion, and the Lord confirmed that it was what He wanted. How am I certain?
There are times I sit down to write, and I don’t have a clue what to say. So, I sit, pray, think, and wait. If He speaks, I write, but if He doesn’t, I don’t try to force anything. His “voice,” while not audible, is clear to my spirit and informs my mind without question. It is certain, compassionate, and always consistent with His Word. If what I think I hear from God isn’t consistent with His Word, I can be certain it’s not from Him. That’s why it’s essential that we be students of His Word.
If you want to hear God’s voice, He’ll enable you. Just ask Him.
By the way, my son, who was 16 when he was diagnosed, and told he likely would never father a child, recently celebrated his 50th birthday and is the father of my only grandchild. God is awesome! Trust Him!
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 