“When he has brought out all of his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.” -John 10:4
Hearing the voice of God…knowing the voice of God…is it really possible? Does God still speak to us today? When I think about this question, I amuse myself by thinking of all the different tones God’s voice could have. And then I think about what other people think God’s voice would sound like. Low and bass toned? High-pitched? Just something fun to think about.
I believe that God does still speak to us today. And this verse in John 10 still speaks truth—we hear God’s voice and follow because we know his voice. I didn’t think it was possible. Growing up, I always complained to God how I could never know for sure if what I was doing was pleasing to him. I just wanted him to speak in verbal words and in an audible voice. But now I understand. He’s been speaking, I just haven’t been listening.
Listening doesn’t only consist of being silent though. Listening for the voice of God consists of being in His Word, talking to him in prayer (as ironic as that may sound), and having a deep and intimate relationship with him. I’ve come to realize that the moments where I feel the most at a loss of what to do with my life are the moments where I neglect my time with God. The moments when I feel like he isn’t speaking are the moments when I’ve turned my back on him, thinking that I know what I’m doing and I don’t need him.
I find that when I’m constantly seeking God and remembering God, I can hear his voice and I know it. It’s amazing, really. I used to think it impossible to hear God’s voice but now I see that it’s really quite simple. All it takes is a heart that yearns for him…a life that fears the Lord, as Dr. Hildenbrand would say. I feel like it may be different for everyone…how one hears the voice of God. I hear it in the conviction in my heart. The Holy Spirit knows exactly how to move me to hear God’s voice in the things I’m doing, thinking, and saying. I believe the Holy Spirit is our best accountability partner.
Recently, I’ve been having a lot of those Spirit-led convictions. It’s funny because I’d say, “I don’t want to do this or that…I shouldn’t be the one apologizing…I don’t want to do it.” But right as the words leave my lips, I know in my heart that that’s exactly what I need to do. If I say that I shouldn’t be the one apologizing, then I know even more that I really should apologize. When I say I don’t want to forgive someone, I know I need to forgive that much more.
That’s how God speaks to me. I hear his voice through having close communion with the King.
I am training you in steadiness. Too many things interrupt your awareness of Me. I know that you live in a world of sight and sound, but you must not be a slave to those stimuli. Awareness of Me can continue in all circumstances, no matter what happens. This is the steadiness I desire for you.
Don’t let unexpected events throw you off course. Rather, respond calmly and confidently, remembering that I am with you. As soon as something grabs your attention, talk with Me about it. Thus I share your joys and your problems; I help you cope with whatever is before you. This is how I live in you and work through you. This is the way of Peace.
(Psalm 112:7; Isaiah 41:10)
———————————————————————
My room mate shared this with me from her Jesus Calling book. I’m writing it here so I can keep it handy whenever I need the reminder. I hope it encourages you too. :)
Recently I’ve been reminded of how this world is fallen. We live in a fallen world with fallen people all searching for a hope that can sustain them. Even when we think we have it all together, God steps in and reminds us that no, this world will not bring us joy or rest like the one He has saved for us in Heaven.
We are human. We are sinful in nature. We need Jesus.
My prayer for all of us, including myself, is that every time we recognize how fallen we are, we yearn to exemplify Christ that much more. Every time we hurt or are hurt, we cause suffering or are suffering…we put on the person of Christ and fight on with love and peace.
Father, grant us hearts that want You and only You.
Mom visited me in my dreams last night.
We were having a party at church. It wasn’t a church I recognized but it felt familiar…it felt like home. And while the service for this party went on, I saw her walking outside. I remember the feeling of joy that rushed inside of me when I recognized her “Darth Vader” hair and the trusty tote bag she carried around for dad every time we went to church parties. I dropped everything and went outside to see her. She was walking away from me and I saw that the closer I got to her, the quicker she disappeared. I panicked. In an attempt to keep her there…to hold on to her, I made a grab for her. But my hands caught nothing but air and the tote bag that was once hanging on her shoulder.
I didn’t want to wake up this morning. Because I know that if I wake up, it becomes more real that she’s not here. At least in my dreams I can search for her and have some inkling of hope that she’ll be there.
I miss you, mom.
Father, grant me Your words that I may speak things that encourage yet at the same time is still truth. Grant me boldness and courage to speak when the opportunities present itself to me. And may I speak with respect and gentleness.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
I find myself discouraged today. What is a leader if he does not empower his followers? I understand that we want to play by our strengths but if we do only that, then we will never be stretched in those moments when God wants us to be stretched. Why can’t we be more like Paul and Barnabas? Why can’t we encourage and empower those who look to us like how they did with Timothy, Titus, Silas, and many more? Why can’t we be like Jesus, who entrusted so much to his disciples?
My heart is burdened by this today. Father, give me peace. May I be able to edify rather than be a stumbling block.
This is my leadership promise for today:
People often associate commitment with their emotions. If they feel the right way, then they can follow through on their commitments. But true commitment doesn’t work that way. It’s not an emotion; it’s a character quality that enables us to reach our goals. Human emotions go up and down all the time, but commitment has to be rock solid.
There are some things every leader needs to know about being committed:
1. It usually is discovered amid adversity
2. It does not depend on gifts or abilities
3. It comes as the result of choice, not conditions
4. It lasts when it’s based on values
With the help of my best accountability partner, I’ve come to realize that I need to stop pitying myself. Rather than focusing on all the bad in me, I need to cling to the goodness of Christ. If I focus on His goodness, my sinful self will eventually fade away until all that’s left is the imprint of Jesus in my life.
Yes, I am a monster when I succumb to my sinful nature. But Jesus overcame and conquered that monster when He rose from the grave. He had victory over it, and I can have victory too when I trust in Jesus.
