As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do so that I may inherit eternal life?” But Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘DO NOT MURDER, DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, DO NOT STEAL, DO NOT GIVE FALSE TESTIMONY...
Mark 10:17-19
Many people say they can’t hear God’s voice. “If only God would speak to me, I would know what to do.” But you can hear God’s voice, and indeed you already do.
Everybody hears God’s voice, but not everyone listens. If you are a parent, you know exactly what I am talking about. Following the voice is proof that you are listening. Jesus ends his interaction with the questioning ruler by saying, “follow me.” If we can abbreviate the above exchange, it would go like this:
“Teacher, what does God want from me?”
Jesus, “You already know the answer. Come follow me.”
If you are not hearing God’s voice, it's because you are not following it, which sounds like an oxymoron, but you will never objectively determine whether or not you are hearing God’s voice without following it first, which may sound risky, but it is a fact.
There are two obstacles to hearing and obeying: fear and unbelief.
Fear that you might make a mistake and follow the wrong voice is not from God. You have already made countless mistakes in this area of your life. What is one more? Not obeying is also not listening, just as listening to the wrong voice isn’t listening. There is risk involved regardless of what you choose. The proof is in the fruit of your decisions. If the result is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, you have followed the right voice. If the result is bitterness, fear, strife, striving, depression, addiction, anger, or coldness of heart, you know you need to go back to the crossroads and try again.
“for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans 14:17 NASB
Keep your eyes on the prize: righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, and you will discern the voice of God.
Comments