HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT IT IS THE VOICE OF GOD
I’ve been reading about the Father of Faith, Abraham, and how he was a flawed man but had mountains of faith. I find it interesting how the Lord picks and chooses people to do His work, and I don’t know of a single person that was chosen, other than Jesus, who was perfect. Everyone who is called by the Lord is flawed and a sinner, but they are still chosen.
There is the word that confuses me…CALLED. The Lord called Abraham in Genesis to leave – go – and Abraham went.
Genesis 12:1-3
12 Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
The next verse tells us that Abraham went, and it also tells us that he was 75 years old. This verse is one that I could read over and over again because it reminds me of what faith looks like. The Lord told Abraham to leave everything that he was familiar with, his family and friends, and head out. But, the Lord doesn’t tell him where he is supposed to go or WHY. The Lord says that He will show Abraham later and then gives Abraham a glimpse of the blessing that he will receive once he obeys.
Could you do it, or WOULD you do it? Would you pull up stakes and head out, not knowing where you were going or why? In the days of Abraham, the Lord “spoke” to you. Some of the time, it was through a dream, a prophet, or an angel. And, some of the time, people actually got to hear the voice of God. I like to think that if I heard the voice of God speaking to me and not me thinking something in my mind, that I would obey.
I’ve heard some people say that the Lord told them to do this or that, and I wonder how the Lord spoke to them? Did they “hear” the Lord, did they “dream” that the Lord spoke to them, or was it some other way? How did they know that it was the Lord?
I’ve prayed for the Lord to lead me and guide me in the direction that He wants me to go. Am I not perceptive enough to know when I am being nudged to do something? I go and do, but I am not sure if it is because it is something that I want to do or something that the Lord has me doing, and I am not even aware of.
John 10:27-29
27Â My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28Â And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29Â My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.
Jesus tells us that if we are His sheep, we will hear His voice and follow Him. So, it is up to us to “hear” the voice of our Lord and Savior without it being verbalized. There might be a few lucky people who get to experience the spoken voice of God, but for most of us, it will come in other forms.
For me, I think the Lord speaks to me through the internet. I am on the computer for the greatest part of the day, and I think the Lord puts websites, quotes, messages, sermons, etc., in front of me to guide me in the direction that he wants me to go. Have you ever wondered about something and open your Bible, and it lands on a verse that gives you the answer? That is how I feel when I read a post that I feel the Lord has put before me. I know that some of you have even mentioned that my Sunday posts felt like they were meant just for you.
Do I have a good answer for you about how we know that it is the Lord speaking? Not really, but I do have a few tips that might help.
- Would the Lord say this?
- Will this bring me closer to the Lord?
- Have I consulted the written word?
- Will this hurt someone?
- Are you noticing a pattern?
The devil can also be talking to us, so it is important to discern the Lord’s voice. The Lord would never tell you to sin, but the devil would have you believe otherwise. So, it is important to ask yourself WWJD. I have also noticed that I will keep being prompted to go in a direction, and when I act, the directions disappear. One of those directions was to add daily Bible verses to my daily posts and end each post with, To God Goes The Glory. I thought about it for a while, and I kept feeling the nudge. Once I decided to make the additions, the nudging went away, and the confirmation comments from my readers tell me that it was what the Lord wanted. You can bet that the devil was the voice telling me not to post them daily.
So, at the beginning and the end of each day, ask the Lord to open your eyes, your ears, and your heart for His voice.
Please comment if you’ve heard from the Lord and how you knew it was the Lord. Don’t listen to the devil who might be telling you that we don’t want to hear from you; we do.
To God Goes The Glory!
Have AÂ Blessed Day!
I hear from God too. For me, it’s not an audible voice. It’s more of an absolute truth. It’s like I’m stopped dead in my tracks understanding exactly what he’s saying.
I think we all can hear him if we quiet ourselves. Great topic, Tania. I love discussing this and seeing others posts.
Tania, what a great message today. I feel like you’re talking to me as I’ve felt/wondered the same things you mention above. I really enjoy your daily verse and your longer Sunday message. Keep doing God’s work – it’s important! 🙂
I know this sounds crazy but I did hear God’s voice loud and clear one time. I was a single mom with two boys and the landlord asked me to move out because I was having a hard time paying the rent. I was having a hard time finding an affordable place and in a REALLLY bad space mentally because of it. One night I was asleep and a voice startled me, it was comforting though-He said, “it’s going to be alright” That was it but I knew it was God, I just knew, can’t explain it. I was very comforted and right afterwards found a very nice apartment for the three of us that we still look back on with fond memories as the boys are now young men out on their own. Thank you for your post-I enjoyed it very much!
Love the scriptures and the Sunday post! So glad you followed the nudge!
Thank you for sharing your faith..you are a breath of fresh air!! Thank you!!
Hi Tania,
Always love your sunday post. With all the things going on right now its always nice to hear you and learn from what you say. Yes, I feel as though the Lord speaks through our conscience. We pray constantly, my husband and I, together and separate. We need to pray each day. We ask for what we need and we understand and always say if this is your will Lord. Thank you again and God bless your sermons online.
What a wonderful meditation on God’s word today!! May we all “listen” for His voice as we go about our day. Always being ready for obedience to do His will.
May our Father continue to guide and direct your path…..
Beautiful post TANIA. Reminds me to be still and know I AM GOD.
I know the Lord speaks to me through my conscience … those times when I know what I should do, but don’t really want to. To me, it is God’s reminder to keep me on track.
Tania, God is speaking through you to send words of wisdom to your readers. I have “heard” God’s voice through the thoughts that He gives me. Too often, I haven’t listened, and I’m sure He shakes His head, but then He nudges me another way until I finally get the message. If it’s right, do it. Thank you!
Thank you for todays post and all of the great comments from readers. I too struggle with hearing Gods voice. Today after church I spoke with a sister in Christ about a decision I have been struggling with. I now can be confidant in my decision.
I think God may speak to us in different ways so we may hear.
Thank you for sharing your faith. In a world where we are looked down on by the majority for being believers I think it is more important than ever to be bold and share God’s message. I am trying to listen for his voice daily. I pray that it becomes more evident in my life. My verse today was Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
I had an argument with my husband last night, and I didn’t go to sleep until 1am. This morning on my Bible study the topic was Wise people avoid arguments. I think God had a message for me.
Yes! I love this blog post! I have heard the voice of the Holy Spirit that said to me “Diane, you know divorce is wrong” and kept me from going to the courthouse that morning to finalize my divorce! Now, after being thru two bouts of cancer and losing our baby, the Lord Jesus saved my life! I was a day or two fromdeath, an infectious disease doctor explained to us, and we had you on every antiviral, antifungal and antibiotic we could think of, and for some reason your body just kicked back in. I give all the credit to the Lord Jesus Christ! He also made it possible for me to live after the hospital found ONE person that matched me out of 4.8 million people on the transplant list–Alleluiah!
I see pictures more than I “hear”. At any rate, knowing the character of God, knowing the Word of God helps us to know if what we are “hearing” aligns with Him. If it does not, then it is not His voice. I always remind myself that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. If I am seeking His will or His direction, I can be confident that He will not withhold what I need. He is for us not against us. So take bold steps and if it’s not working then back up, but never be stagnant. Thanks for sharing your heart for God.
I have been struggling with a difficult situation and I have been praying about it. Your post reminded me I need to look to God and listen to him. His hand guides me daily. You are a sweet, welcome addition every day!
I like to say the Lord puts his hand on my shoulder and I feel at peace. This was definitely the case when I was in the ER with my husband of 40 years. He had a serious heart attack and was waiting to be med flighted to a nearby hospital that would perform surgery. I said to myself “I might be going home alone today.”
The staff Told my husband to tell us all good bye- they didn’t think he would make it to the hospital. At that moment I experienced a calming “hand on my shoulder” telling me that he would be alright.
He made it to the bigger hospital and survived and is now in such good health that it amazes all his doctors. I know the Lord helped me through this and put me at peace with the faith that everything would be alright.
I love your thought about nudging going away once you take action. I think you’re right! I ask the Holy Spirit to keep whispering in my ear and let me know if I’m headed in the right direction. Beautiful message!!
Thank you for sharing! I have been praying for guidance on an upcoming move. For me the hardest part is waiting on God. I believe I hear from Him through scripture and other close Christian family and friends. I also believe when I have heard from Him I will always have peace about my decision.
Yes Tania I was feeling the nudge regularly until lately ~ and I have been feeling unusually stressed and not knowing why. And then this morning I check your blog and read this ~ could this be the nudge from the Lord with you as the conduit? đź’•
Great blog today!
Thank you for your Sunday lesson and daily Bible verses. And for giving God the glory.
Love your family stories and posts each day.
I ABSOLUTELY have heard God speaking to me. I kept asking for signs, which he kept giving me. Now he has touched my heart with such JOY, I know I did what he wanted me to do, God is good.
This is something I have struggled with all of my Christian life. Does the Lord speak to me and how? I know someone who says the Lord told me this or that a lot. It always makes me feel less than as I don’t have the same direction. I’ve learned to accept how the Lord does lead me. Mostly through an impression or feeling. Or if feel His presence when I am outdoors. Someone once said it’s okay if you don’t hear the Lord’s voice, it means you are hearing the gentle reminders or taps before an audible warning. God knows His children and loves each and every one. He is a good parent who guides us all. It’s okay that it isn’t the same as the next person! Thanks for your message!!
Thank you for your blog. Love you’re fashion and have ordered several items you have shared. I look forward to Sunday and read what you’ve written as part of my daily devotion. To God be the glory!!
Thanks so much for including me in your daily devotions.
Thank you!!
I am glad that you enjoyed the post.
Thank you for today’s post Tania.
I felt the nudge by a volunteer opportunity that kept showing up in my Facebook feed. I am nervous around new people/new situations but I felt I had to go out of my comfort zone. I have met wonderful, caring people at the place. I have contributed to my community. I am fulfilling God’s wish for me to give to others and thereby receiving gift myself
I have heard the Lord through many different ways. It’s when I keep reading, seeing, hearing the same message over and over throughout the day or several days. That’s when I know. Sometimes it’s just like a haunting feeling that doesn’t go away. Then I know. And I am always filled with joy after I follow His prompting. It’s a great feeling!
Shari, I understand how you feel about new people and situations because I am the same way. Getting out of your comfort zone is hard, but you can bet that the Lord was thrilled to know that you obeyed his nudges.
Thank you for your daily bible verses and your uplifting and insightful Sunday lessons. Especially appreciated as we are currently unable to attend mass due to covid.
I understand, Mary. I do a lot of online sermons because of COVID.
While I’ve never had a decisive and direct spoken command from God I have lived with gentle nudgings from the Holy Spirit every day of my life.
Some people believe that it is their conscious telling them right from wrong, I believe that conscious is the voice of the Holy Spirit ❤️
Agree 100%
I find that there are no coincidences, and so I think that things that appear and happen are from the Lord. I too think my conscious is the Lord’s gentle whispers to me.