Entendre la voix de Dieu

The Bible is full of conversations between God and human beings. The Lord Ruler of the universe communicates with His creation. He spoke to the prophets, to individuals like Joseph, through dreams, and concerning Moses He even said, "I speak to him directly, I reveal myself to him without riddles, and he sees the likeness of the Lord." (Numbers 12:8) Indeed, God guided him throughout his life from his encounter with Him at the burning bush. He gave him clear instructions, solutions to the problems he encountered during his mission, and rescued him several times when people were ganging up on him.

God gives clear direction in His Word. Also, through the Holy Spirit, who Jesus said will show us things to come, He gives us specific direction about circumstances in our lives. God communicates in different ways: sometimes it's a conviction in the heart, sometimes visions and dreams, sometimes a prophetic word, tongues and the interpretation of tongues, the sending of a heavenly messenger, or sometimes through His inner or outer voice. When the church gathered in God's presence in prayer and fasting, they received direction from the Holy Spirit. They were to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work for which they had been called. They did so, and grace rested upon them. Even today, God gives direction by His Spirit in accordance with His Word.

Some argue that when the text of Scripture was validated, God ceased to communicate specific directions to His people outside of the text of Scripture. However, when we examine the cases of people who heard God in the New Testament, these were specific directions given to an individual in different situations. And these directions could not be found in the written texts even if the Canon of Scripture already existed.

Philip was instructed to go into the wilderness, Ananias to pray for Saul, Cornelius to send for Peter, Peter to preach the gospel to Cornelius, and Paul regarding his stay in Corinth and the boat he was traveling in. We too can become sensitive to God's voice and hear specific direction in different situations in our lives. Those who are Jesus' sheep hear His voice. Expect to hear His voice.

How do you do this? Make sure you are among His sheep by giving your life to Jesus, for they are the ones who can hear His voice. Then, soak up His written Word and ask. You must desire it. Ask God to make you sensitive to His voice. Make the decision never to attribute to God anything He has not said. Many people do this, and it prevents them from hearing God's voice. Live continuously in His presence.

Acts 13:2 While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Separate Barnabas and Saul for me for the work to which I have called them.”
Isaiah 30:21 Your ears will hear behind you, “This is the way you should go, walk in it!” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left

This article is an excerpt from the book Calling Into Existence, Chapter 6. I Will Hear God's Voice. More Info here