Secrets of a Successful Servant of GodExemplo

Hearing God's Voice

Samuel lived in dreary times when divine communications were very infrequent and visions were not popular. Samuel, though, was able to hear God's voice. Samuel was assisting Eli as a young child, serving the Lord. When Eli guided him on how to respond when someone calls again, he heeded him and successfully heard God's voice. Since Eli didn't punish his kids for offending God, God revealed to him his plan for Eli as well as his two sons. When you are open to God, you must spend each day prepared to hear his voice. As a result, we must have the ability to tell the difference between the voices of God, Satan, and our ideas. Only by allowing God's message to saturate our hearts will this be accomplished.

Today, everyone wants to express themselves and be noticed, but we don't always listen well. (I'm also talking about myself here.) Wouldn't it be amazing to hear the voice of God? He speaks to us, but like Samuel, we must be attentive listeners and know his voice. Spending time each day in prayer, bible study, and peaceful meditation on his word allows us to hear his voice. The more time you spend intimacy with God and his word, the easier it will be for you to recognize his voice and his guidance in your life.

Employees at the bank are trained to recognize counterfeits by carefully studying genuine bills, so it's easy to spot counterfeits. We must be so familiar with the word of God that when someone tells us a lie, we can be clear that it is not from God. While God can and does speak audibly to people today, he speaks primarily through his Word; but sometimes also through the Holy Spirit to our consciences, circumstances, and the appeal of others. By comparing what we hear to the truth of the scriptures, we can learn to recognize his voice.

However, how can we tell if the voice we hear is truly from God? The parable of the good shepherd was used by Jesus to demonstrate how we might identify his voice among others. I am the good shepherd, and I recognize my sheep and they know me, as it says in John 10:14 and 27. My sheep hear my voice, and since I know them, they follow me. The closer you are to God, the more he will talk to you and share his desires with you. Through a blinding light and an audible voice, Jesus communicated with Mary in a vision, Joseph in a dream, and Saul on the road to Damascus. It is simpler to hear what Jesus has to say to you as your connection with him grows.