There are many who claim that God speaks to them and many prophesy in His name. Whether they are speaking from their heart, from the devil, or from true inspiration from the Lord is difficult to tell. At the same time, the voice of the Lord also speaks to us. It thus becomes imperative for us to recognize the genuine voice of God, rather than be led by fables and imagination of man.
This is a concern that has been voiced throughout the ages. Even today it is a burning issue. Samuel heard the voice of God but did not recognize it until he was instructed by Eli, who was the Priest and Judge at Shiloh. (I Samuel 3:1–10). Gideon had a physical revelation from God, and he still doubted what he had heard to the point of asking for a sign, not once, but three times (Judges 6:17–22,36–40). These two examples indicate that they could not identify the voice of the Lord. They certainly were at a disadvantage, as they did not have the word of God with them, which we today possess. We have the complete Bible, the inspired Word of God, to read, study, and meditate on. II Timothy 3:16-17 states “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” We are further assured in Titus 1:2-3 “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; 3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour.”
Not everyone can hear and discern the voice of God. He speaks to those who a) walk with the Lord b) Whom the Lord has chosen for some specific task and c) Those who are lost and in search of truth.
a) To hear God’s voice, we must belong to God. Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). Those who have been saved by His grace through faith in the Lord Jesus are the sheep who hear and recognize His voice because they know Him as their Shepherd.
His ardent followers who spend time in Bible study and partake in quiet contemplation of His Word hear His voice. The more time we spend intimately with God and His Word, the easier it is to recognize His voice and His leading in our lives. Such followers can differentiate between error and the truth.
b) God chooses certain people as his instruments for particular times and purposes but can use them only when they make themselves available. The Old Testament book of Esther is peculiar. Esther was significant to God's plan, and we can see God's fingerprints literally all over Esther's life.
c) Neither the lost coin nor the lost sheep searched for the master. It is the master who searches them out. Salvation is of the Lord. Psalms 25:4 “Show me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.”
Revelation 7:10 “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne and to the lamb”
Dr Ashwin Drummond
Laddertoheaven.co.in