We have major decisions to make in life and ministry. There are major crossroads that will have an impact for many years to come. We want God’s leading and assurance to make the right choice.
However, it seems like we can’t hear God. Even when we keep asking. What’s up?
I was fulfilled in the corporate world as I attained my goals and received its perks. It was at this time when I was challenged by the church leaders to quit my job. They want me to work full time for the church.
I dreamed of serving full time at our church sometime in the foreseeable future. But I didn’t expect the offer to come so soon.
I prayed. And for a while, I didn’t hear anything from God. I got restless, anxious and discouraged. Why can’t I hear from God?
Thankfully, I learned God’s principles in order to hear His voice clearer. Eventually, I was so sure of His call for me. I left the corporate setting and took this new challenge from Him.
There are many reasons why we seem to not hear from God. More than what can be listed here.
We must give honest answers to these key questions. Doing so will give us more clarity on the direction God wants us to take.
- Am I Making Enough Time to Listen?
We say a rushed prayer, and expect Him to give us an answer. We don’t allocate enough time for Him to speak to our hearts. Then we hastily conclude that we can’t hear Him.
We must slow down. Prayer isn’t a 1-way conversation. Set an appointment with yourself and God. Don’t cancel, and listen more.
- Am I Opening God’s Word?
Sometimes, we only look at “signs” and circumstances to determine God’s direction. We forget that God’s word is already available for us to meditate on.
God’s word is His revealed will. As we meditate through the pages, He will speak forth. God will highlight a certain passage that is relevant to our situation.
- Am I Distracted?
We might be thinking of our many daily concerns while reading God’s word. Our minds aren’t really into listening to God. The worries of this world close our spiritual ears and drown out the His message.
We must lift our burdens to God and set it aside. Then focus on God. Our relationship with Him is most important.
- Do I Already Have An Answer and Only Want God to Agree?
It’s possible that God already sent His answer to us. But because we don’t like what He said, we wait and think He hasn’t spoken.
We must be willing to align to His direction. We adjust to Him, not Him to us. He sees the big picture and has infinitely more wisdom than us. Submitting to His guidance is always the best road to take.
- Is There Sin in My Heart?
Perhaps, there is an unconfessed sin in our lives. God wants us to deal with that first before He works on our other concerns.
We must be honest enough to check if there’s a relationship issue to mend, a “hidden” sin to repent of, or an action that we mustn’t delay any further.
- Am I Listening to Godly Counsel?
We expect God to speak to us immediately whenever we ask Him. We forget that many times, God uses godly people to give us His direction.
Approach someone who will give us godly, honest and objective counsel. We must prayerfully select that person. They will give us biblical advise, not simply what we want to hear.
For sure, God wants to communicate to us. So, we mustn’t get discouraged if He seems silent in spite of our constant prayer.
Be honest and answer these questions. Then take proper action. We can be more confident that we’ll hear from God soon.
We need to persevere. Who knows, that answer is already on its way!
Posted on: Aug 7, 2017
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