“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall anyone perish” -John 10:27-28
Hearing God is one of the most essential factors in developing a personal relationship with Him. There are no special requirements that qualify any of us to hear from God. According to Jesus, we need to be one of His sheep. In other words, only one thing is required to hear God, and that is being born again.
Many of us have more confidence in other people – like their pastor, father, husband, or spiritual mentor to hear God for them. They depend on others to hear God for them and this keeps us a baby Christians that hinders our growth in Jesus. Hearing God’s voice personally is a wonderful gift. I have received tremendous insight and encouragement given to me over the years. I do not rely on what anyone says is God’s word for me. I pray and listen for God’s voice myself.
I am His sheep. I can hear His voice as I seek Him. I spend extra time in His Word and pray when I need Him to shine light on my path.
In Psalm 119:105, David says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet. And a light to my path.” More often than not, as I am reading the Word, a knowing comes into my spirit about what to do when I need His direction.
He doesn’t speak to me in a specific way, like an audible voice, or an angel coming to me, or a word from someone else. It’s a check in my spirit or a dream that suddenly wakes me up with a sense of urgency or an inward desire. And times through an “Rhema” word. One that is personally applied to my situation.
John 10:4-5 says, “And when He brings out His own sheep, He goes before them, and the sheep follow Him for they know His voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.”
From my study of His Word, I have learned God’s character. When I hear something contrary to His character, I ask myself three things, “Does this line up with His character and nature? Does this produce peace or confusion in my heart? Does this produce liberty or bondage.”
The more I know God through His Word, the easier it becomes to distinguish His voice from my emotions.
You can hear His voice and recognize it if you take the time to check what you are hearing against His Word and godly counsel from others who know God, and He will shine light on the path of your life.
From Pity to Praise 