God has not changed; he still speaks to his people (Hebrews 1:1, John 14:26, John 16:13-14, John 8:47). He spoke in the Old Testament, then through his Son, and now through the Holy Spirit who guides, teaches and reminds us of what Jesus taught.
If you have trouble hearing God speak, you are in trouble at the very heart of your Christian experience.
When we do not hear from God, we must check to see if sin has caused separation from God (Romans 3:10-11). We cannot understand the truth of God unless the Holy Spirit speaks to us and the Spirit speaks to us four ways:
- Through the Bible.
- Through prayer.
- Through circumstances.
- Through the church.
When he speaks, he reveals these two things:
- His purposes.
- His ways.
So, why can I not hear from God? The key to knowing God’s voice is found in a relationship. It is not a formula, but a person. Check out John 10:2-4, 14.
- Jesus is the Shepherd, we are the sheep.
- Sheep listen to his voice.
- Sheep follow him because they know his voice.
- The Shepherd knows the sheep and they know him.
When we hear God, or we think we have heard him, we sometimes ask for a sign of proof, Like Gideon (Judges 6), but Jesus had something to say about people who seek signs.
- Wicked and perverse generation (Matthew 12:38-39).
- Asking for a sign is an indication of unbelief.
When we claim to hear from God, there is a caution to heed (this is serious business):
- If God has given you a word, you must follow through in that direction until it comes to pass (even 25 years like Abraham).
- If you have not been given a word from God yet you say you have, you stand in judgment as a false prophet (Deuteronomy 18:21-22).