New Christians learn how to hear God’s voice over time. As with real babies, some learn faster than others. The process can vary among individuals, but most mature believers will agree to the following 7 things:
- It doesn’t include seeking signs from God.
- Because God is a spirit, his voice isn’t heard with our ears.
- God isn’t limited to using just words.
- It most often is described as a “still, small voice”.
- God doesn’t ever contradict his written word.
- He often quotes Bible passages that you already know.
- Our obedience is accompanied by peace: Disobedience by discomfort.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
John 10.27
God’s will for your life
While learning to hear God’s voice, it’s helpful to get an overview of what to expect. A simple summary of God’s will for all of our lives is found in Micah 6.8. “He hath shown thee oh man what is good. And what doth the Lord require of thee, but to…”
- do justly (actions)
- and to love mercy (attitude)
- and to walk humbly with thy god (relationship with God)
Here’s what Jesus says about relating to God in John 14.6. “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me.”
What is God’s plan for your life?
God does have a plan for every Christian’s life. Because every Christian starts out being a new-born baby in Christ, it’s probably true that your purpose in the Kingdom won’t be apparent to you any more than a real infant knows what his life will eventually become. New Christians often want to put their natural skills and training to use right away in the Kingdom, but it’s a common mistake to presume that God sees things the way we do. Twenty years from now when you know God much better than you do now, the words “thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” will take on a lot more meaning than they do now.
That said, the great commission to the Church is to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. We aren’t all preachers, but we should expect that our role will have something to do with that overall goal