How can we discern God's voice in our lives, similar to Balaam's experience? Key Verse “And the LORD met with Balaam and put a message in his mouth, saying, ‘Return to Balak and speak what I tell you.’” — Numbers 23:16 What Balaam Shows Us • God initiates the conversation: “the LORD met with Balaam.” • God gives specific words: He “put a message in his mouth.” • God expects obedience: “speak what I tell you.” The same God still speaks, though our primary channel is His written Word carried home by His Spirit. Ways God Speaks Today • Scripture illuminated by the Spirit (Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16). • The inward witness of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:16). • Circumstances arranged by His providence (Acts 16:6-10). • Godly counsel that aligns with the Bible (Proverbs 11:14). • A clear but gentle inner prompting—never contradicting Scripture (1 Kings 19:12). Preparing to Hear • Make time: Jesus often withdrew to solitary places (Luke 5:16). • Quiet the heart: “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). • Clean the slate: confess sin so nothing clogs the line (Psalm 66:18). • Open the Book: read and meditate, expecting Him to speak through it. • Offer a yielded will: “Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:9). Practical Listening Habits 1. Start with a brief prayer for clarity (James 1:5). 2. Read a passage slowly; note any word or phrase that grips you. 3. Pause in silence; ask, “Lord, what are You showing me?” 4. Jot impressions in a journal; compare them to the text. 5. Discuss with a mature believer if the matter is weighty. 6. Act promptly on what lines up with Scripture (John 13:17). Testing What We Hear • Does it match the written Word? God never contradicts Himself (Galatians 1:8). • Does it exalt Christ and foster holiness? (John 16:13-14). • Is there inner peace, not turmoil? (Colossians 3:15). • Do circumstances and counsel confirm it? (2 Corinthians 13:1). • Does it withstand time and repeated prayer? (Habakkuk 2:2-3). Common Hindrances • Unconfessed sin (Isaiah 59:2). • Self-interest drowning out God’s agenda (James 4:3). • Busyness and constant noise (Mark 4:19). • Fear of what obedience might require (Jonah 1:3). Encouraging Promises When We Listen • “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27) • “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:6) • “Do not quench the Spirit… but test all things. Hold fast to what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21) Putting It All Together Like Balaam, we draw near, receive His word, and then do exactly what He says. The more consistently we seek Him in Scripture, stillness, and swift obedience, the clearer His voice becomes—and the more confidently we can walk in His will. |
    |