The Voice of God

While I was training at YWAM, a teacher told us that when we hear a string of good thoughts, it's God speaking.  I never really asked what he meant, but I began contemplating it.  Does God still literally speak to people, and if so, what does He sound like?  I began seeking answers for those questions, and eventually the answers began revealing themselves.

About a month after I came back from training, I started attending a church called Elmbrook.  One day, an older woman stood on stage and told amazing stories of times when she listened to God.  Listened to God!?  Did God actually speak to her?  Her sermon didn't answer that question, so I requested an appointment to meet.

A week later, Jill and I met at a coffee shop, and I told her that I wanted to find out what God's voice sounded like.  "Is He in the inner monologue I hear when I talk to myself, Jill?"  She chucked and told me that people from all over the world have asked her how to hear God's voice, but she warned that her answer might not impress me: she was right.

She began with the typical, "God speaks through the bible" answer, and then began to caution about the inner monologue.  I was disappointed, but Jill explained that it's hard to know which thoughts are from God, and it's easy to be led astray if you're wrong.  Although I wanted to quit listening, she was persistent in her explanation.  She said that she first asks God to bring a bible verse into her head, and then makes sure she understands it.  That seemed simple enough to me, but for some reason she kept restating her point.

Ask for a verse, and know what it means.  


She explained that it's because you can be ineffective whether you misunderstand God by a mile or an inch.  She advised me to I learn the bible as best I could, even taking seminary if possible.  I thought her advice was simple, but it took me 3 months to realize that she was providing me with new and important information.  

I say 3 months, because at about that time I ran into a young man who was unemployed and in need of assistance.  He said his family wouldn't help him, and I didn't really know him, so I asked a pastor for advice.  The pastor suggested that I maintain wisdom in the manner I offer help, because it's easy to enable someone who has bad motives.  The pastor's advice was helpful, but knew I couldn't judge the young man's motives.  Instead, I asked God for wisdom, and I believe that's when God spoke to me.


I was reminded of James 2:14-16 which says:


What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds?  Can such faith save them?  Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food.  If one of you says to them, "Go in peace; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?

Looking back, I realized that three things happened.  First, James 2:14-16 came to mind when I asked God for help.  Next, I continued with my day and decided to pray about it later, but felt like the verse was hijacking my brain when I thought of this young man's situation.  Finally, the verse eventually just started coming into my mind randomly.  I felt plagued by the verse, so that's when I figured it was God reminding me to help him.   In essence, Jill's advice worked:  


Ask for a verse, and trust God to provide.  


So does God still speak to His people?  Yes, I believe He spoke to me personally in that situation.  What did it sound like?  Like a verse from the bible.  Am I disappointed?  Absolutely not!


Although He spoke through the bible, it was a lot more personal than I originally thought.  God's word is alive, active and useful in your time of need.  The bible isn't just a list of rules and strategies to be successful in life, nor is it just a story with parables and lessons.  The bible is a way for God to personally speak into our situation...if we understand Him.  Which brings up Jill's second piece of advise:


Know What It Means!


I think that's something I going to address in my next blog, but for the meantime, I encourage you to understand the bible to the best of your ability.  Life is so much more fun when you can put your faith in a God who actively speaks to your situation.