I want to share this story with you, because it’s been replaying in my mind for a couple of weeks now.
Recently I was sitting around a table of friends, conversing about my acceptance to the World Race. After I shared a bit, one gentleman replied, “well, good for you that you can hear the voice of God, because I cannot.” (My own paraphrased words.) I don’t necessarily think that this gentleman was being rude in any way, but it really caught me off guard.
The other day in my quiet time with the Lord, I heard that man’s response in my mind yet again and felt God respond to the stirring inside of me.
Folks, I didn’t hear the audible voice of God tell me “Hadassah, go on the World Race in August 2018!” I didn’t even physically hear God speak the words, “Do mission work.” After years of experiencing God day to day, reading His Word, praying to Him, sharing my heart’s desires, concerns, joys, I have learned the feeling of the Holy Spirit’s guiding in me. It’s that peace in the midst of the decision making process, that nudging to give that stranger a $20 bill, that overflow of grace to take the time to look the cashier in the eyes as she tells you about her day in the middle of your crazy one. It’s familiar to me now. It’s a part of me.
“Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD.” (Psalm 27:14)
So to those struggling with “hearing the voice of God” I ask you, are you sincerely and whole-heartedly looking for Him? Are you putting aside all distractions and fear and honestly watching and listening for the presence of God?
God wants you. He wants all of you. But y’all, it’s a two way street. God’s there: seek Him, talk to Him, and listen for Him.
The sound that shakes the heavens
The whisper on the wind
Breaks my inhibitions
And settles me within
The mystery, You’re closer than my skin
Your still, small voice moving me again
I hang on to every word You say
I live to hear You say my name
Speak to me
Speak to me
I’m listening
(From “Speak to Me” by Kari Jobe)
Edit: That’s not to say that no one can ever or will ever hear the audible voice of God. God may choose to communicate with you in that way. I wanted to just share my experience with feeling God’s direction in my life and how He might be speaking in yours.
