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Prepare Your Heart

To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a few minutes to breathe deeply and quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, ask the Lord to speak to you in this time. Let Him know that you will listen and make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.

Read God’s Word

1 Kings 15:25-17:24
John 7:10-24

A Verse for Today

Slowly and reflectively read the following verse(s) and listen to what God will say to you through His written Word. Consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.

John 7:17 (CSB): “If anyone wants to do his will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own.”

Reflecting on God’s Word

A couple of days ago, I wrote an article called “When God Speaks.” In it, I said that God has ultimately spoken in His Living Word (Jesus) and written Word (our Bibles). Yet, God still speaks to us in various ways. To know if we are actually hearing from God, we must first compare it to what God has already said in His Word and then use other biblical principles.

In John 7:17, we have another test. Jesus had just told a listening crowd that He didn’t personally come up with the things He was teaching them. Instead, He was teaching them things that He had received from His Father in Heaven.

So, the question becomes, “How would they know if what they were hearing was actually from God?” In fact, “How do we know if we have heard from God?”

Again, it must first be measured against the ultimate and final standard of truth, God’s Word. But in John 7:17, He gives us a heart attitude that must be present.

John 7:17 (CSB): “If anyone wants to do his will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own.”

In other words, if we want to know if God is actually speaking to our hearts, it begins with a determination to do God’s will, no matter what it is. I know that John 7:17 begins with “If anyone wants…”, but the Greek word speaks of a determination that comes from a desire.

So, if someone came to me and said, “Pastor, I think God is calling me into a full-time ministry, but I’m not sure if it’s the Lord.” I would ask them a few targeted questions, one of which is: “Have you already determined that you will follow and obey the Lord, no matter what He calls you to?” If their answer is “yes,” then I would tell them to pray about it some more and God will reveal if it is truly Him speaking to their heart.

If someone came to me and said that they believed God was speaking to them about something else, I would say the same thing. Consult your Bible first to see if what you think He is saying is consistent with what we KNOW He has already said. Then, apply other biblical principles, one of which is found in John 7:17. Are you already determined to obey Him before He speaks to you?

Here’s an important question to consider: Why would God bother speaking to someone who He knows will not do what He tells them to do? It would be a waste of His time and breath.

Which leads us to the final question: “Have you already determined in your heart that you want to follow and serve the Lord? Have you already written your name at the bottom of a blank contract and given it back to God to fill out with what He desires of you?” Then God will make it abundantly clear when He is speaking to you. You are the kind of person He’s looking for!

2 Chronicles 16:9 (CSB): “For the eyes of the LORD roam throughout the earth to show himself strong for those who are wholeheartedly devoted to him.”

Spend Time in Prayer

  • Ask God to enable you to write your name on a blank contract and then hand it to Him to fill out the details.
  • Ask God to pursue a relationship with you so that if He desires to “speak” to you (direct you, convict you, etc.), you will know it is Him and respond accordingly.

Going Deeper

If you want to dig a little deeper into if and how God still speaks to us, consider reading the following GotQuestions article:

“Does God still speak to us today?”

Sharing

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Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com)