My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
John 10:17 NKJV
Have you ever had someone share with you a “sticky statement”? These are phrases or comments that for whatever reason just seem to “stick” with you - the supernatural mental-velcro that the Holy Spirit likely has a hand in. It was amid a most peculiar conversation when one of these memorable moments permanently affixed itself. Even though a fairly recent introduction, it was as if Jenifer was reading my mind.
“Amanda, I just realized that God has been speaking to me my entire life. I just didn’t know it was Him.”
Wow. Can you relate? How many times have you felt that prompting, paused at that sensation, or looked over your shoulder at something unlikely, yet inexplicably God? You would only realize in hindsight that it just had to be Him.
It does not surprise me that we can feel we have mistaken the voice of God. Namely, because when you love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, you desire to follow Him with those same parts of our body; wholly (Mark 12:30). And in the height of emotion or circumstance, it is easy to question that still small voice (I Kings 19:11-13).
While I could not tell you when my confidence turned into questioning, I can tell you when it reversed from inquiry to assuredness. About the same time Jennifer reminded me of what God’s word promises - the sheep know His voice. We can’t possibly question this if we are saved as salvation itself is proof that we have heard and responded at least once to the calling of our Savior. This savior, our shepherd, promises that the Holy Spirit will speak to us, guide us, teach us, and declare to us ( John 16:13). What is more, He won’t ever share anything with us that He has not heard the Father say. We as believers, indwelt with the Holy Spirit, never have to fear if we are capable of hearing God’s voice. This halfway answers the question, “How do I know if I hear You?”
You do.
You have.
You can.
Believing this is part of your faith defined (James 1:6).
The enemy is absolutely flawless at one thing; chaos. If He can’t convince you of the lie that God’s voice is NOT readily available to us, He will attempt to discredit your discernment. He is the master of confusion, but God is not far off (Psalm 73:28), His voice can even be heard when He whispers (I Kings 19:12), and His speech is simple enough for a child to grasp (Matthew 18:3). He is a faithful shepherd, always guiding His sheep. Confusion plays tricks, but God’s word promises.
We rest in the ever-present voice of God. He is the best friend who is constantly inviting us into conversation. Scripture points to several ways God does this:
Through dreams (Job 4:13-16, Acts 7:30, Daniel 4:5)
Through visions (Genesis 15:1, Matthew 2:13, Matthew 27:19)
Through an audible voice (Deuteronomy 5:23, 2 Peter 1:18, Hebrews 3:7)
Through His Word (Revelation 1:1-20, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Romans 10:17)
Through the miraculous (Exodus 3, Exodus 13, Matthew 1:23, Acts 2:3-4
Through angels (Daniel 8:15-16, Luke 1:11-13, Luke 2:8-11
Through His Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 3:16, Luke 12:12, Hebrews 3:7)
Ultimately, God speaks with unlimited power however and whenever He pleases says Job 36:22-24.
I had dreams, I had visions, I heard His voice, saw the miraculous, can point to at least once when I encountered an angel, talk with His Holy Spirit, and yet I didn’t recognize this was all my Shepherd. I became fearful that I would miss Him, that I could be confused, forgetting that I was gifted a sound mind with confusion fleeing upon faith (2 Timothy 1:7). Instead, all those moments you have encountered, were encounters with the Father. I invite you to take time now to remember His voice, revisit His voice, and ask Him to speak. He will reveal what you cannot fathom. You can trust that voice. You can cling to what you know to be true and trust yourself to hear Him. Because, you have heard Him all along. That is His promise.
Your Fellow Able Mom,
Amanda
Father, I look back at those moments I thought I heard you, only to be assured of your voice. You have carried me through, never left my side, and I thank you for your steadfastness. You are constant and compassionate. Your promises endure and you are faithful to speak as my Good Shepherd. Forgive me for doubting and trusting the lies over your promises. Fill me with renewed understanding and bring me into a place of trusting that I do, I have, and I can hear your voice. As I seek you, I will not be led astray by You as my Good Shepherd.
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