With all the voices in our head, how can one discern the voice of God? Is it possible to ever really know with certainty that “this is God’s will” in any given situation or choice we face? Granted, too often we hear people say, “God told me to do this or that!” Then, they march down some path that could never have been God’s plan; because, it goes against everything scripture tells us of God. They believe themselves justified by merely stating, “God told me.” So, I understand when pastors discourage this. However, just because many blaspheme those words, does not mean we cannot learn to discern His voice. Nor does it mean, He does not provide clear guidance when we come to Him with open heart to seek His will.
It begins an open heart. Every morning, we must die to self before we can even hope to discern the voice of God in a situation. Not an easy task since our hearts desire to retake the throne of our life. Yet, we are called to “take up our cross daily and follow Him” (Luke 9:23). For me, I had to first place all my selfish desires for not going at the foot of the cross, so I could with open heart listen for the voice of God. Then, I had to wait patiently to know His will. I could not rush ahead of Him; but I had to be willing to follow wherever He led. Once I was certain I was to go; again, I had to wait for Him to work out the when and how. Patience and faith are required to discern the voice of God.
Fleece to Discern the Voice of God
Gideon had heard God speak. He had marched out to tear down the altar to Baal at risk of his own life. Now, he wanted to be certain of what God said. So, humbly he prayed.
And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said, Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor … If the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said. And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow…(He) thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water.
And Gideon said unto God, ‘Let not thine anger be hot against me, and I will speak but this once. Let me prove, I pray thee, but this once with the fleece. (Lord) let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew. And God did so that night: for it was dry upon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground (Judges 6:36-40).
God knew that the next day He would ask Gideon to trust Him completely. He would ask Him to go into battle against a large army with only 300 men. Knowing with certainty that it was the voice of God commanding him, Gideon was willing to do anything God asked of him. God is always willing to assure us of His presence and will when we face such hard decisions.
Waiting for Clear Direction
Once I knew that I was to go, a part of me would have run ahead. However, it is necessary that we wait for God to work out the details. Twice during the year, I could have accepted a job and gone quicker; but they were not the job God had planned. I pleaded with God. Yet, there was a heavy ominous cloud that filled my heart whenever I asked if I should take these. Then, with clarity I knew. If God desired, I go, He would choose a job within the VA system for me to transfer to. I began applying to jobs. Doors shut, rejections came. Nothing more humbling than to receive so many rejections. But I applied, and I waited. Months passed.
During those months, I worked diligently at my current job to establish a plan which would leave my patients in better hands than mine. The job had grown too large to provide adequately the best care. Finally, everything came together here. Furthermore, I received an offer for a position in Florida. God’s timing and God’s way. There was no way I could manipulate the fleece; although, I tried when I even considered the other jobs earlier in the year.
Then, I began the arduous task of letting go of those things I held dear. Everything I owned will be reduced to a 5×8 trailer. At first this was hard. However, now I am overflowing with joy as so many things I thought precious, I have been giving away to those who would cherish the gift. Each gift chosen with care and love. Those things I can’t find a special home for have been going to Goodwill.
Surrender Even When We Don’t Understand
There will be great pain leaving my precious granddaughters, my son, and his beautiful wife who are here. When I first moved here, the plan was all would gather here. But God had a different plan. This year, I pleaded often that He consider that plan; but that was not His plan. Even when we don’t understand, we must be willing to surrender to His plan, knowing His plan is always best. Faith is knowing God IS sovereign and He rewards those who diligently seek Him.
How to Discern the Voice of God from Yours
- Study His Word exegetically, that you might know the heart of God. He will not tell you to do anything that goes against His perfect, righteous nature. Avoid taking scripture out of context to manipulate an answer.
- Pray diligently.
- Ask God to search your heart, willing to allow Him to prune it. Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts. And see if there be any wicked way in me. Lead me in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:23-24).
- Wait patiently for Him to answer.
- If you use a “fleece”, make certain it is one you cannot manipulate.
- Be willing to let go, dying to self that the Voice of God might reign in your heart.
- Trust Him with all your heart and soul. His plan is best. Once Gideon knew with certainty God’s plan, he was willing to go into battle with only 300 men. He let go of human reasoning to trust God.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; Because, He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?
If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here
Furthermore, if you would like to tell me your story or thoughts comment here
Books Available
If you want to know more about books I have written. Then, please click on this link to discover a world of Book Resources.
Or you can find all my books on Amazon.com, search just by searching Effie Darlene Barba. Or click this link to be taken there
Furthermore for inspirational photos or home decor click here.
Previous Posts to Consider
Can You Really Know the Will of God for You?
Is God Calling You to Be a Mighty Warrior?
POEMS
Echoes of You in the Darkest Night
A Desperate Cry for Truth to Heal This Land
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Credits
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash