God speaks to us all the time just that many of us do not know it is Him. We make statements like, something told me.
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It was during a Wednesday Service we usually have in church when my pastor illustrated this scenario to make us understand what it means to hear from God. He said
Imagine your mother calls you on the phone to meet her at the market and help her pick up some groceries. When you get to the market, no matter how noisy the place is, if you mother calls your name from the crowd, you will know it is her.
The reason you would know is her is because you are acquainted with her voice and how she speaks. One of the things I have observed about people is their manner of communication; their choice of words, the tone of their voice and their mannerisms. Everyone is different in this regard. The more you are acquainted with these characteristics of a person, identification is simple. This principle applies when it comes to hearing the voice of God.
The Bible contains the Word of God. The more you give time and attention to the study of the Word of God, the more you familiarize yourself with how God communicates; his choice of words, his reaction to certain attitudes and actions and his view in every situation. Jesus said
It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63 NIV
This implies that as you receive the Word of God, you receive spirit. If someone, for example, speaks to you harshly, it is not just words you hear, the spirit behind the words affect you. In the same vein, when you receive the Word of God, the spirit behind it affects you. God said to Jeremiah the prophet;
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
I can just imagine the comfort Jeremiah received as these words came to him. God revealed his intentions to him through His Word. Jeremiah was now confident of the God's support in every situation and not only that, he became conversant with His Word and His will. If Jeremiah peradventure hears a voice telling him, "I am going to destroy you" he would know outright that that is not the voice of God.
The point to note is, as you learn the Word of God, you get to know who God is, how He communicates and His views about every situation. This way, you can tell whether the voice you are hearing is that of God or not. It is my hope that this post will help you discern the voice of God always in order to make the right decisions in every situation and you will be set on the perfect will of God for your life.
Let me know your views on this subject. Your questions are very much welcome. You can post it in the comment below. God bless you.