Hearing from God is never the same way, the same time or even in the same tone for all of us.  You and I may hear Him in similar ways while our closest friend, brother or sister may hear from Him in a completely different way.  All of this is true.  The question you may want to ask yourself is “if we are all different, then why would God speak to us all in the same exact way?”

This is a very legit question.  I know I asked questions like this at the beginning of my spiritual walk too.  I thought since the person next to me speaking in tongues that’s how I was supposed to hear from God, and if I couldn’t speak in tongues, then I guess there was something wrong, less than, of me.  So NOT true!

If you’re beginning your walk with God, questions like this AND many more are coming your way.  There’s no escaping it.  I encourage you to not walk away from them, but to embrace them and get excited to gain the wisdom and your unique closeness to God that only You can have with Him.

When it came to the desire to not just want to hear from God, but to seek an answer from Him; possibly a step-by-step instruction guide on what to do or not do, or for Him to be the “fixer” I so desperately begged for, I realized God was actually working in ways I couldn’t see.  I learned that He was talking to me through other people, through music, through the Bible, through stillness, through open opportunities and at times through a very soft-spoken voice going on in my head that followed up with my gut feeling that was stronger than it would have been otherwise.

I can still remember the day in the office kitchen where family friends of my boss came to visit and I found myself getting a glass of water with Marian, who just so happened to be a reverend.  Can you already see where this is going?  God is always working his magic in ways we could never drum up.

As she and I began to talk we found ourselves in a faith-filled conversation I so desperately needed at that time.  I told her that I struggled with overwhelming negative thoughts of shame and unworthiness especially when I was at home by myself.  She so graciously did two things for me right then and there, one of which I do to this day and always encourage others to do – change what I’m listening to in my home, my car, etc.  She guided me to several Christian music groups and advised me to go home that night and instead of turning to my favorite radio station or television show to go to You Tube and pull up Bethel Music or Hillsong.  She said that once I do that the spiritual enemy will flee from my house and my surroundings.  I was so excited that I couldn’t wait to go home.  That time from there to that big hand on the clock touching 5 seemed like forever.  My exciting grew as the afternoon minutes were clicking down.  I had instantly felt relief and the weights being lifted from my shoulders because I knew God had brought her just for me.

By the time I got home, I couldn’t get on my computer fast enough to pull up You Tube to see for myself what was going to happen.  I searched for Bethel first and I turned that music up so loud I thought for sure my neighbors would be on their way to tell me to turn the volume down.  But my neighbors never came, and the music continued to play and there it was.  My thoughts began to clear.  My steps had a bounce.  My frown was turning upside down.  She was spot on!!  I knew God loved me and that it was He who sent her to me at the perfect time where I was open and willing to receive the gift I was just given.

So, the question turns to – did I hear from God?  Absolutely and with a huge YES!  He spoke to me through Marian – He guided her and placed something on her heart where she knew it was her time to open her mouth and share.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLCEEIsEDjg

Then the Lord spoke to you out of the midst of the fire.  You heard the sound of words, but saw no form; there was only a voice.
Deuteronomy 4:12

This is just one way how you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is listening, God is there for you, God works in ways so you will hear and receive His guidance, His comfort, His love!

I encourage you to allow God to speak to you in the way that He sees best for you and receive His way with open arms.  He will ALWAYS speak to you so you can hear Him, should you want to.

And above all else, when what you believe you’re hearing from God doesn’t match with who God is and what the Bible tells you, then I encourage you to continue to pray and mediate until you are clear that what you’re hearing is going along with God’s truth.

“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”
Hebrews 3:15