Discussion: Hearing God’s Voice

(3/13/18)

“Sweep Me Away” song by Passion Band (5:44) Video with lyrics and some cheesy graphics

“The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?””

-1 Kings 19:11-13 NIV

Have you ever prayed to God?

Would you like God to speak back to you?

Have you ever prayed to God and wondered how He would speak back to you? Have you wondered if He would or could answer back? Have you hoped He would just sweep you up and away with Him in a forceful wind of His presence?

God doesn’t speak out loud to everyone all the time. He speaks in different ways to each of us. He even whispered to Elijah. Is He whispering to you?

I imagine God whispered to Elijah because they were close to each other. They spoke regularly. Who do you whisper to? Who does whisper to you?

Have you noticed that the farther away from someone you are, the louder you have to be to speak with them? How far are you from God? Would God have to send earthquakes and violent storms to get your specific attention? Would he send a few youth leaders and caring adults to do it? Maybe He could speak to you through your reading of a printed book he inspired (The Bible) or a song with lyrics written by someone who has His Spirit in them. I was inspired to hear God speak to me in a worship service at camp when that song was being played.

If you want to hear from God, get closer to Him, listen to what He has to say through His people. Read His words (in the Bible). Pray for His direction in your life. Be ready to hear His message to you. Align yourself to be near those who love Him, those who are seeking Him. God does not want to remain a mystery to you. Don’t run from God. Listen.

“The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him.”

-Nahum 1:7 NLT

(Prayer)

———————Ezra Engle————————