In a world filled with uncertainty and confusion, we often have a difficult time hearing God speak when we are asking about His plan and purpose. But even in the middle of chaos, we can know and believe this truth: God is always working. This truth can be an anchor for our souls, reminding us that even when we don’t understand His actions, we can know He sees things from a higher perspective than we do, and he has eternity in mind. So the question is: When God speaks – are we listening?
God’s ultimate desire is to have a personal, intimate relationship with each of us. He longs to save everyone, though not all will choose to accept His offer. He loves us so much that He came down to earth, revealing His heart through Jesus Christ. Every command He’s given is for our benefit, demonstrating the extent of His love.
But God doesn’t stop at just wanting a relationship with us. He invites us to join Him in His work. When we align ourselves with His purposes, we begin to see the world through His eyes. We start to care about what He cares about – reaching the lost and encouraging the saved.
So how can we know what God’s will for us is in our everyday lives? How do we make decisions that align with His purposes? The key lies in us recognizing and understanding how God communicates with us. God speaks through the Holy Spirit, using four primary channels: the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the church.
The Bible:
The Bible serves as our foundation. It’s God’s revealed word, a light unto our path. When we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we become familiar with God’s voice. Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of knowing His voice, likening it to sheep recognizing their shepherd. Just as sheep follow their shepherd’s lead, we’re called to follow Christ, guided by His word.
However, it’s crucial to test every thought, feeling, or idea against Scripture. The apostle John warned about false prophets and emphasized the importance of discernment. If the Bible gives clear direction for or against something, that’s our answer. The Holy Spirit will never contradict God’s written word.
Prayer:
Prayer is our direct line of communication with God. But it’s not about presenting our wishlist to a cosmic genie. True prayer aligns our hearts with God’s will. Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done.” When we abide in Christ and His word abides in us, our desires begin to align with His.
Circumstances:
Circumstances can be tricky to interpret. While God can certainly use circumstances to guide us, we must be cautious. Not every open door is from God, and not every closed door means we should stop pursuing something. The enemy can also manipulate circumstances. That’s why it’s crucial to view circumstances through the lens of Scripture and prayer.
Mature Believers:
Finally, God speaks through the church – mature believers who can offer godly counsel. The Bible encourages us to seek wise advice. Having trusted individuals who can speak truth into our lives, even when it’s uncomfortable, is invaluable.
When making decisions, it’s important to consider all these aspects. Start with God’s word. Is there clear guidance? If not, pray for wisdom and discernment. Look at the circumstances, but don’t rely on them alone. Seek counsel from mature believers who can offer perspective.
Remember, God’s primary concern isn’t about our earthly comfort or success. He’s focused on eternal matters – the salvation of souls and the growth of His kingdom. Sometimes, following God’s will might lead us into challenging situations. The easy path isn’t always God’s path.
Isaiah 40:31 offers a beautiful promise: “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Waiting on the Lord doesn’t mean passive inaction. It means actively seeking His will, trusting His timing, and relying on His strength.
Waiting on the Lord doesn't mean passive inaction. It means actively seeking His will, trusting His timing, and relying on His strength. Share on XWhen we wait on God, He lifts us above our limited perspective. Like an eagle soaring high, we begin to see the bigger picture. Our priorities shift. The things that once seemed so important fade in comparison to God’s eternal purposes.
Knowing God:
Getting to know God is about more than just accumulating information about Him. It’s about entering into a dynamic relationship where we learn to recognize His voice, align our will with His, and join Him in His work. It’s about seeing the world through His eyes and allowing His purposes to become our own.
This journey isn’t always easy. It often involves battles – not just external conflicts, but internal struggles as we learn to die to our own desires and embrace God’s plan. The enemy will often fight hardest when we’re closest to fulfilling God’s purpose. But in these moments, we can take heart. The very opposition we face might be a sign that we’re on the right track.
As we navigate life’s decisions, big and small, let’s commit to seeking God’s will above all else. Let’s immerse ourselves in His word, spend time in prayer, wisely interpret our circumstances, and seek godly counsel. Let’s remember that our ultimate goal isn’t earthly success or comfort, but aligning ourselves with God’s eternal purposes.
In doing so, we’ll find ourselves not just knowing about God, but truly experiencing Him. We’ll discover a life filled with purpose, guided by divine wisdom, and empowered by His strength. It’s a journey that goes beyond our limited human perspective, inviting us into a walk of faith, where every step is an opportunity to see God at work in and through us. Let’s keep our focus on Him so that when God speaks – we are listening.
This post was taken from Jim’s sermon titled “God Speaks” – click below to watch.
