It is interesting to note there are over 300 titles listed on "Amazon.com" and over 3,000 listed on Barnes and Noble's website resulting from a search for the words, Hearing God. This is big business! We all want to know how to know when God is speaking to us. We are willing to spend money and time reading "experts" viewpoints and hope it helps us to make the right decision every time. While I believe reading other's viewpoints is a valuable tool, is it really so complicated?
God gave us the bible to learn and understand His character. When I know someone well, I have a fairly good idea of what they may or may not say or do. For instance, I know my husband would NEVER be excited about attending a ballet performance. I know my daughter will ALWAYS carry a camera. Because I know these two people well, I know some things about them. This also guides me in deciphering whether God is telling me to do something. It gets a bit more confusing when I realize God told Abraham to kill his son, Isaac as a test or when I read how God told the disciples to leave with nothing but the clothes they were wearing for a very long mission. These directives are confusing and cause me to question or re-think things. Well, then how do we know when it's God speaking?
I've come to a place in my life through different experiences where I believe if I focus on who God is, I will know what He might say. By continuous reading of scripture, I learn more about Him. This relationship is a journey and exploration, not a one time read. As I grow, I understand differently. As I mature, there are things I didn't see before. As my life stage changes, there is more I need to know. As we walk together, I learn more about Him and more about His plans for me.
But then there's these two other voices. One certainly born from my wants, desires and perceived needs - my flesh. I WANT to eat what I want when I want and have it not affect my body! I WANT that new outfit that is absolutely amazing and looks fabulous on me! I WANT to totally remodel the master bathroom regardless of the cost. God wants to bless me, right?
Some decisions are more difficult for me. For example, if someone at church, school or sport club asks me to serve and I really don't feel my schedule is going to allow it without taking time from my family or other priority, is it ok to say, "no"? What if I don't feel called to serve in this way? Shouldn't I just serve regardless of my calling? God has called us to serve, right? There's no consistent answer for me. Sometimes, I feel God has called me to humble myself and serve in an uncomfortable position believing He is enough to sustain me. Sometimes, He's called me to be mature enough to say, "no" without guilt. Most of the time, I've made the wrong decision and learned from it. But, a few times, I made the right choice in saying "no" or "yes". It's a lifetime of learning.
Then there's the third voice. This voice is one many choose to ignore exists. I truly believe the devil and his demons are just as real as God's powerful angels. They whisper things in my ear working to cause division and insecurity. It causes misunderstanding and separates the best of friends. This voice is easy to hear and easy to distinguish IF we learn to rise above it. Unfortunately, so often we believe the lies and scurry down a path of deception and frustration. I will write more about my journey with voices another day.
There are three voices in my life and in yours. I'd love to hear your experiences on hearing God, please post them. Most importantly, which voice will guide your path?
(c) 2010 Daphne Keys
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