Part One: Where do we start?

Key Scriptures: Gen 3:1-13, 2 Tim 3:16, 1 Thess 2:13, 1 Sam 3:1-10

“Did God Really Say?”

The Book of Genesis introduces us to the first question ever asked in the Bible, "Did God really say?" (Gen This question was posed by Satan to Eve, representing humanity. In our own experiences, we encounter numerous inquiries about hearing God's voice, as people genuinely seek to understand and discern His guidance. However, sometimes, we may question God's voice to find loopholes that allow us to follow our own desires. It's essential to recognize this temptation and seek God's voice with sincerity and a pure heart.

The Garden of Eden: Where God First Spoke to Humanity

The Garden of Eden, a picturesque place of beauty and tranquillity, served as the initial meeting place between God and humans. It was where God revealed Himself to humanity after creating humankind. In this serene setting, the first humans had the extraordinary opportunity to walk and talk with God. However, the serpent's question, "Did God really say?", led to a tragic decision that shattered the perfect relationship between God and humanity, resulting in pain and brokenness.

God's Invitation: "Where Are You?"

Following the initial question, another inquiry arose, "Where are you?". God asked this question not to accuse or condemn, but because something was missing. God longed to restore the treasured relationship He once had with humanity, just as a person might wonder where a loved one is when they cannot be found. God's intention for each one of us is to enjoy a restored relationship, to walk and talk with Him, and to hear His voice.

Restoring Belonging and Becoming through Hearing God's Voice

To fully restore our relationship with God, we must learn what it means to hear His voice. God desires that we belong to Him and know Him deeply. When we learn to hear the voice of God, our belonging is restored, and we become confident that He knows us intimately. Moreover, God's voice provides us with direction and protection, steering us away from harmful decisions and leading us toward a life of purpose and success.

7 Ways to Hear the Voice of God

Hearing the voice of God is not limited to an audible experience but encompasses multiple ways God communicates with us. Some of these ways include:

1. Reading the Bible: God's Word is a primary source of His voice and wisdom.

2. Impressions from the Holy Spirit: A sense of knowing or internal witness that God imparts to us.

3. Inspired Preaching and Teaching: God's message delivered through trusted spiritual leaders.

4. Asking God Questions: Seeking answers through prayer and waiting on God's response.

5. Receiving Prophetic Words through Trusted People: God speaks through others, sometimes revealing specific messages for us.

6. Receiving Visions or Dreams: God communicates through images in our minds or surroundings.

7. Reflecting on God's Role in Our Lives: Recognizing God's guidance and presence in our past experiences.

The Heart of a Servant: The Key to Hearing God's Voice

The Bible repeatedly portrays being a servant of the Lord as one of the highest honours. In the story of Samuel (1 Sam 3:1-10) we find three important principles for hearing God’s voice:

Attention: Devoting our undivided attention to God amid distractions and busyness.

Aligning with God's Agenda: Surrendering our plans and priorities to align with God's purposes.

Agreement: Being willing to embrace God's voice, trusting in His goodness and wisdom.

As we embark on this journey of learning to hear the voice of God, let us remember the significance of embracing our role as servants. By giving God our attention, aligning with His agenda, and being in agreement with His plans, we open ourselves up to experience the joy and fulfilment of walking and talking with our loving Creator. Let us embrace this opportunity to connect deeply with God, drawing nearer to Him as we hear and respond to His voice. May we, as a people grow stronger in our relationship with God, guided by His voice and transformed by His wisdom and love.