Apr 28 2009
Listening to the Voice of the Spirit
What does it mean to listen to the voice of the Spirit? How can a spirit speak when it has no body, no audible voice? All human beings are made up of body, soul and spirit, and as Scripture says, “Deep calls unto deep,” with the voice of the Spirit speaking to our spirit.
When God’s Spirit speaks, however, it’s only to hearts that are tuned to hear, who are either searching for God or already in a relationship with Him. Others will fail to hear when He speaks, because His voice is not welcome. John 3:20 says, “For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.” When the Spirit or the Word speaks and sinful men receive it, it demands repentance. Because this is so they avoid it at all costs.
Once we are born in the spirit, we are children of God, and have new and sensitive spiritual ears that hear when He speaks–that is, if we are not too distracted by the things of the world, to hear His still, small voice.
So what does it sound like? It’s an overwhelming sense of something that we cannot deny, though, of course, it isn’t audible with human ears. And if we are listening, we may not, at first, grasp His message, but if we don’t ignore Him, but listen, He will confirm His message so that we know He has spoken.
So what is the Lord speaking to you? Are you open to His voice? Have you already decided to obey or to disobey? Have you already given Him an ultimatum? A true follower of God will choose before hand to obey no matter what the request.
The thing about the voice of the Spirit is that He always has our best interests in mind. He speaks to protect, convict, and move us in directions that are for our good. So what does that mean in our day? It means that as times get tougher and the rules no longer favor Christians and righteousness, we will need to listen to the voice of the Spirit, merely to survive and even more if we are to be bold, witnessing while there’s still time, to others, who may be ready to listen for the very first time.
If we think of it, we are tremendously privileged to be part of God’s amazing plan. He doesn’t really need our involvement, but has chosen to use us. I find that truth incredible. What more could we desire than to be part of the plan of God, a useful tool in our Master’s hand?
There’s no more time to ride the fence. It’s time to choose whose side we are on. Let’s get back to the basics, loving God with all our hearts, souls, minds and strength, for that is where we will find fulfillment and be blessed.
Because of His great love,
Nancy
