593 - How to Hear God’s Voice When He Speaks

“Follow Me, and I Will Make You… Whatever I Want”

In the Gospels, we encounter a radical figure who issues a bold invitation to those He calls unto Himself: “Follow Me.” These words, spoken by Jesus, are not merely a suggestion but a summons, a mandate to leave life as we have always known it and embark on a journey that has no end— at least on this side of heaven. His invitation is to die to self, to follow Him wholeheartedly, and to imitate Him in all aspects of life.

Or, as Dietrich Bonhoeffer famously said, “When Christ calls a man, He bids him to come and die.” But what does it really mean to follow Jesus, especially in the context of the 21st-century woke Christian culture we find ourselves in? How can we be faithful disciples of our Lord?

What Does it Mean to Follow Jesus?

The essence of Jesus’ call to “Follow Me” is about more than just physically moving from where you are to where He is. It’s an invitation to a new way of life. It’s about leaving behind old priorities and identities (like nets or tax booths in the Gospels) and embracing a new identity rooted in faith and obedience to Christ. And this call is marked by a willingness to let go of personal ambitions and possessions, or to take up one’s cross (Matt. 16:24), and to enter a life of service and mission with Him, by following Him. It’s about embracing all that Christ offers: His teachings, His lifestyle, His ambition, His mission, His sacrifice, and the purpose of His life.

Ok, got that.

I’ve heard sermons about giving all to Christ for as long as I can remember. But ‌every time I try to truly follow Him wholeheartedly, I seem to fail. Sometimes miserably. There has to be something I’m missing— maybe some key ingredient I have somehow overlooked.

And, to be honest, there is.

The Importance of Hearing His Voice When He Speaks

But there is also one vital aspect of following Jesus that is often neglected in our preaching and church practices— and that is being able, or acquiring the ability, to hear His voice when He speaks to you. Otherwise, how can you follow Him? For without His direction, you’re basically flying blind. I mean, how can you know what He wants you to do? How can He encourage you, instruct you, or even rebuke you? And how can you have fellowship with Him or grow in the likeness of Him if you can’t hear Him when He speaks?

Remember, one vital and essential key to following Jesus is to speak to Him and have Him speak back to you. This is the essence of a relationship with the Lord. All relationships, with God or with someone else, are built on two-way communication and not a single monologue from only one partner. And without a relationship… well, we’re just talking about religion. And nobody wants religion.

Some FAQs About Hearing His Voice

So let me ask you, are you a follower of Jesus? Do you hear His voice when He speaks to you? And if you’re not sure, let me answer just a few questions you may have.

Q: How do I know if it’s God speaking to me?

A: God’s voice will never contradict Scripture. Never. And His voice brings peace and clarity in confusing situations, often challenges us to grow spiritually, and is always consistent with His character of love. Plus, and I know this may sound mystical, but when God speaks, you will recognize His voice like His sheep do their Shepherd (John 10:3-4). Or, to put it another way, there is no way you cannot hear His voice if you belong to Him as one of His sheep. Read the chapter yourself.

Q: What if I don’t hear anything?

A: God can even speak in silence. These times of silence may be opportunities for you to grow in trust and faith in Him, or in what He last spoke to you. So keep listening, keep praying, and remain open. Remember, God can speak to you any way He chooses. He can even guide you with just the look in His eye (Psalm 32:8). Sometimes, God’s silence is preparing you for what’s next— and that’s a good thing. A really good thing.

Q: Can God speak through other means, like circumstances or other people?

A: Absolutely. See above. God can speak to you in any way He chooses. It’s one of the prerogatives of being God. He can communicate with us in any number of ways, including through other people, circumstances, dreams and visions, a bolt of lightning, a blinding light on the way to Damascus, while riding a donkey, and even through the quiet nudging of our spirits. But it is essential that you discern these extra-Biblical messages of God in light of Scripture and prayer.

Q: How can I be sure it’s really Jesus speaking to me and not just my own thoughts?

A: Remember, learning to discern the voice of Jesus takes time and practice. The more we immerse ourselves in Scripture and spend time with Him in prayer, the more familiar we become with how God speaks and what His voice sounds like. Practice makes perfect, especially when discerning the difference between our thoughts and the voice of the Lord. Jesus’ voice will always align with His Word and character. So, if you’re unsure, seek the counsel of mature believers and wait until you know for certain it is the Lord speaking before acting on what you have heard.

Q: Do I need to hear Jesus’ voice audibly to follow Him?

A: Absolutely not. Hearing Jesus speak audibly is not a requirement for following Him. Throughout church history, countless believers have followed Christ faithfully without ever hearing His audible voice. Jesus speaks in many ways, and how He chooses to communicate with you is sufficient. Psalm 115:3 says, “Our God is in the heavens, and He does what He pleases”— including how He chooses to speak to you. So don’t put Him in a box of your own expectations.

Q: What should I do when following Jesus feels difficult or costly?

A: Following Jesus is not always easy, but He promises to be with us every step of the way. When the path is difficult (and it usually is), you simply must cling to His promises, lean on His strength, and keep your eyes fixed on the eternal joy set before you (Heb. 12:1-2). And remember, the heroes in Hebrews 11 all faced trials and difficulties, far more difficult than we usually face, yet they remained steadfast, resolute, and unmovable. How? Because they understood “that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Rom. 8:18). So when following Jesus seems scary, just follow Him closer. Believe me, it works every time.

Reflection

Wherever you are on the journey of learning how to hear His voice, remember that following Jesus is a lifelong process. We will never arrive, at least not on this side of eternity. But day by day, step by step, as we keep our eyes fixed on Him, He is faithful to lead us, to mold us, and to use us for His purposes and His glory.

May we continually hear and heed the Savior’s call: “Follow Me.”

To download the slides for this message, click – HERE

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