I distinctly remember as a 14-year-old hearing God speak to me through a clear thought in my mind. I was riding my bike to an appointment in another part of the city I was not familiar with, and I became lost. It was quickly getting dark, and I had no light on my bicycle, and I had just narrowly missed being hit by a car. I was cold and scared, and as it was before everyone had mobile phones, I had no way of contacting home for assistance.
I prayed a simple and desperate prayer,” God, please help me, and show me where to go”. Straight away, I heard the words in my mind, “Go into that house ahead of you”. I stopped and looked at a house lit up on the side of the street.
Really I thought, “I don’t know anyone there”? But again, I heard, “Go into that house; they will help you”. So lacking any other solution to my predicament and with complete darkness fast approaching, I went and knocked on the door. A couple smiled and welcomed me into their home, fed me, phoned my parents and looked after me until my Dad could come and collect me. The people could have been anyone, but I knew I’d heard from God. I’d learnt to recognise His voice in everyday things, so when I needed the confidence that I’d heard Him, I had it enough to act. I could have just asked for better navigation skills in hindsight, but that I discovered later.
God is speaking, and if we seek Him, we will find Him if we seek Him with all our hearts. “He must wait for us to come to him so he can show us his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help.” (Isaiah 30:18 NLT)
It takes time through constant use to get confident. But if you keep your heart open to God’s correction, develop the habit of asking his opinion on matters, and then listen for his answers, over time, you will become skilled at hearing His voice, receiving His guidance and subsequently the answers to your prayers.
Take the time today to listen for His voice, whether through experiences, impressions, thoughts, dreams, visions, or someone or something else God uses to get your attention. Practice living that way, and you will come to know as a personal friend the God who speaks.
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:27-28)
“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.” (Hebrews 1:1-2)
Prayer: God, please help me recognise your voice when you are speaking and not ignore you. I want to know you and to hear your voice. In Jesus Name Amen.