How God Speaks

By Greg Laurie, Op-ed contributor Monday, January 29, 2007

"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." —John 10:27

Does God still speak to people today? Is He interested in what happens to us as individuals? Does He really have a master plan for our lives? Or are we merely victims of chance?

God is indeed interested in us as individuals. He does have a master plan for our lives, and He does want to speak to us. Jesus described Himself as our Good Shepherd. And as His sheep, we can hear His voice.

So how can we know when it is God speaking? First, we need to remember that God primarily speaks to us through His Word. He will never lead us to the contrary. We don't have to go any further than the Bible to know the will of God for our lives.

God also speaks through circumstances that can include failure or even hardship. We don't enjoy it when God speaks to us through tragedy and hardship, but as C. S. Lewis said, "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world."

Often, I have found that if something is the will of God, then it will be confirmed. There are times when I feel the Lord has been speaking to me through circumstances, such as an opportunity that has opened up. But I never make decisions by looking at circumstances alone.

Lastly, God speaks to us through His peace. Colossians 3:15 tells us, "Let the peace of God rule in your hearts . . . " God is the author of peace, not of confusion.

Maybe we hear the voice of God more often than we think. The question is, are we really listening?

Used with Permission