What steps can we take to recognize Jesus' voice in our daily lives? Mary’s Moment: Seeing Yet Not Seeing (John 20:14) “When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there; but she did not know that it was Jesus.” Mary stood in the very presence of the risen Christ, yet failed to recognize Him. Her experience mirrors ours: Jesus is near, but competing sights, sounds, and emotions can blur His voice. Scripture shows how to sharpen our spiritual hearing. Step 1 – Expect Him to Speak • Isaiah 30:21—“Your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” • Anticipation positions the heart. Start each morning acknowledging, “Lord, I expect to hear You today.” Step 2 – Saturate Your Mind with Scripture • John 10:27—“My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” • 2 Timothy 3:16—The Word “trains” us. Daily time in the Bible calibrates our inner ear. The more familiar we are with His written words, the quicker we discern His whispered ones. Step 3 – Practice Stillness • Psalm 46:10—“Be still and know that I am God.” • 1 Kings 19:12—God met Elijah in a “still, small voice.” Schedule moments of silence—phone off, mind quiet—so His voice isn’t drowned out. Step 4 – Respond with Immediate Obedience • James 1:22—Hearing without doing breeds self-deception. Acting promptly on what you sense reinforces recognition. Obedience is spiritual muscle memory. Step 5 – Remain in Close Fellowship • Hebrews 3:13—We need daily encouragement lest we be “hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” • God often speaks through other believers; community safeguards against mishearing. Step 6 – Test Every Voice • John 10:4-5—Sheep flee “a stranger.” • 1 John 4:1—“Test the spirits.” Questions to ask: – Does it align with Scripture’s clear teaching? – Does it exalt Christ or self? – Does it produce peace or confusion? (1 Corinthians 14:33) Step 7 – Keep Your Heart Clean • Matthew 5:8—“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Unconfessed sin muffles divine guidance. Regular confession keeps the line clear. Daily Checklist for Tuned-In Living – Start with a passage of Scripture; listen before speaking. – Invite the Spirit to highlight truth as you go through the day. – Pause at decision points: “Jesus, what are You saying here?” – Act on the first biblical prompting; don’t over-analyze. – End the day reviewing where you sensed His leading and where you missed it. As Mary discovered when Jesus spoke her name (John 20:16), one word from the Savior changes everything. Follow these steps and His voice will grow unmistakable amid the noise of everyday life. |
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