Are You Hearing from God?

By Pastor Kevin Van Wyk
Have you ever been desperate to hear from God? Have you longed to know what his specific will is for you? 
 
I certainly have. Sometimes it’s been huge decisions, like whether to marry Stephanie, to go to seminary, or to move to Alto. Others are much simpler, like what sermon series to tackle next, who should I contact today, or when to have a difficult conversation. 
 
Some would say God is not concerned with our day-to-day decisions, just his ultimate will… the big picture. While I wrestle with God having a specific plan for the Bucks to win and the Brewers to lose, God does clearly guide believers in the New Testament. The book of Acts is filled with examples of God directing decisions, changing travel plans, restructuring the church, and giving words to speak. 
 
We can’t know these plans unless we listen. But, this is dangerous…
"It’s hard to overemphasize the dangers inherent in believing that one is receiving “inspired” messages from the Spirit. Scripture is inspired and therefore authoritative (2 Timothy 3:16). But the “nudges,” “feelings,” intuitions, and random thoughts a person has while meditating cannot be put on the same level as Scripture. To assume that the voice a person hears in his mind is the voice of God is to leave the door wide open for self-delusion and even demonic deception.” (https://www.gotquestions.org/listening-prayer.html)
 
Yet, we clearly see that the Holy Spirit does speak to his people and give direction when they pray…
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. (Acts 13:2-3)
 
So, should we listen for God?  To say “no” rejects all forms of communication beyond reading the Bible… prophecy, teaching, preaching, visions, and dreams. However, the Bible affirms that God does use these methods to communicate. Believers are urged to “wait” and be “watchful.” When Jesus retreated to quiet places, he certainly did not just speak to the Father. He heard the Father and then spoke what the Father told him.  So, “yes,” we must listen to God, and finding a quiet place with no TV, radio, or phone will certainly help. 
 
At the same time, remember that God speaks on his terms. He mostly interrupts people and speaks when they are not really listening. Often he speaks through other people and even more so through the Bible. The act of listening is not about emptying your mind, but about…

• surrendering your will to God, 
• slowing down enough to hear God, and 
• actually responding with obedience to God.

There are dangers in elevating our thoughts above the Bible, but also in rejecting, quenching, and grieving the Holy Spirit. His Word and Spirit speak together! You don’t need to chant mantra’s, follow a labyrinth, or practice deep breathing.
 
If you want guidance from God, start here…

1. Read your Bible. Everything you hear, whether it be your conscience or a sermon, must show itself right according to the Bible. So, the more you know, the more likely you are to discern God’s voice from your own voice or the voice of the evil one.
2. Surrender to God’s will. Pray with Jesus, “Not my will, but your will be done.”
3. Seek counsel from Godly believers you trust. Ask these people to pray with you and to give you insight into what God desires.
4. Find a quiet place to read the Bible, pray, journal, and reflect on what God is saying to you.
5. Do what God says. I believe we often blame God for “going silent” when it is really our unwillingness to obey. We just keep wanting to hear a different message. What command are you wanting God to change?
6. GO DEEPER: See RightNow Media for the first two videos below. Signup for a free account at https://www.altoreformedchurch.org/resources.html 

• Level 1: Whisper, Mark Batterson, https://www.rightnowmedia.org/Content/Series/280942 
• Level 2: Shift, Louie Giglio,  https://www.rightnowmedia.org/Content/Series/1203
• Level 3: Systematic Theology, Chapter 30, Wayne Grudem, https://www.monergism.com/systematic-theology-mp3-lecture-series 

 
May God give you great wisdom and humility as you seek to follow him.