HELP ME HEAR YOUR VOICE

Isaiah 30:21 “Your ears will hear a word behind you, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right or to the left.”

Introduction

When God calls you to do something great He will first call you through His voice, then He will equip you and then release you. All you have to do is listen and obey.

Everyone in this room, call is calling you to do something great for Him. You can listen and obey, or you can ignore him and move on with life.

God is not looking for those who are prepared. He is looking for those who are willing.

I. God calls the unexpected.

1 Samuel 3:7 “Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, nor had the word of the Lord yet been revealed to him.”

A. When God calls the unexpected, it means that god will choose someone who might not seem likely or qualified by human standards.

Samuel was young and inexperiened.

He didn’t come from a prominent background.

God looks beyond the outward appearance.

What God sees is the heart and the potential.

God chooses people not by human standards, but by His plan and purpose.

B. Bible Examples:

God called a shepherd boy to be the King of Israel.

He was young - His only he had never fought a battle

he was inexperienced - he had only been a shepherd

But David had a heart after God.

Its those who have a heart after God, that can hear God’s voice.

God called a group of unexpecting young men through Jesus.

They were the lowest of society.

They were not educated with religious degrees.

But God had a greater plan.

1 Corinthians 1:26–28 “For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are,”

Just think, if God can use someone like these men to do great things, what can God do through you?

C. When God called Samuel it was unexpected to everyone, but not to God.

My question to you, is God calling you?

How do you know God is calling you?

Matthew 22:14 ““For many are called, but few are chosen.””

(Many people are called to follow him…but few will respond to that Call.)

II. Recognizing the Voice of God.

1 Samuel 3:8 “So the Lord called Samuel again for the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli discerned that the Lord was calling the boy.”

A. At first, Samuel didn’t recognize that it was God calling him.

He mistook God’s voice for the voice of Eli.

It’s easy to mistake the voice of God for something else or someone else, when you don’t know what to listen for.

Emotional Responses: Emotions like fear, anger, or desperation can cloud judgment and make it difficult to discern whether thoughts or feelings are divinely inspired or simply emotional reactions. People might mistake intense emotions for spiritual conviction.

Personal Desires: It's easy to confuse one’s own desires or biases with God’s voice, especially if those desires are strong. People might interpret their wants as being aligned with God's will without seeking deeper confirmation through prayer, scripture, or wise counsel.

Misinterpretation of Scripture: Sometimes, people selectively use scripture or take verses out of context to support a preconceived idea, believing it is God’s voice. This selective listening can lead to misunderstandings about God's true messages.

Echo Chambers: Surrounding oneself with people who only agree with one's viewpoints can reinforce personal biases and be misconstrued as confirmation from God. It’s essential to have a community that challenges and sharpens one’s understanding.

Impatience: In a rush for answers, people might jump to conclusions about what they think God is saying without taking the time to pray, meditate, and wait for clear guidance. Impatience can lead to misinterpreting one’s initial thoughts as divine communication.

Proverbs 3:5–6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.”

B. If you want to recognize the voice of God:

Follow the word of God. God's voice will never contradict His written Word. Any message or impression you receive should be in harmony with the teachings of the Bible.

Follow the peace of God. Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Follow the Confirmation through the mouth of Godly counsel. God often confirms His message through circumstances and the counsel of other believers. When multiple sources align with the same message, it is a strong indication that God is speaking. Matthew 18:16 “But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed.”

III. God wants obedience and a willingness.

When Samuel finally understood that it was God calling him, he responded with, "Speak, for Your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:10, NASB).

1 Samuel 3:10 “Then the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.””

A. We must be open and alert to God’s voice.

Hebrews 3:15 “while it is said, “Today if you hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts, as when they provoked Me.”

When you harden your heart God’s voice grows more and more silent.

The reason is because as we hearing and obeying; its a sign that we are moving farther from God’s presence.

When you open your heart God:

You will be open to hear what God has to say. Samuel…once he responded heard God reveal things to him that only God could know. God told him about…Eli and the future of his house. God will show you things about your life…

You will be challenged to do something great for God. Samuel went from serving in the temple to being the prophet for the nation. God may be calling you to do something great, but you will never know until you respond with a “YES”

B. We must be willing to obey God’s voice.

Isaiah 30:21 “Your ears will hear a word behind you, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right or to the left.”

Obedience requires and immediate yes!

When you respond with YES, it opens the door to God’s favor and opportunity.

God will not move on a HESITATION. He only moves on a YES.

Samuel’s response to God’s voice… set the course for the rest of HIS life and ministry. How you respond to God’s voice and calling will determine the rest of your life.

God starts by speaking and calling to those who respond with yes.

“Obedience is the key to unlocking God’s favor over your life.”

Jeremiah 29:11 (NASB): "For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope."

God has plans for you to prosper and succeed.

Your “YES” to God activates His plans for your success.

C. God rewards those who obey.

God rewards you with the fruit of plenty. Isaiah 1:19 (NLT) If you will only obey me, you will have plenty to eat.

God extends His favor and blessings over you:

Being blessed often means having God's favor and approval, which brings protection and benefits in various aspects of life. Luke 11:28 (NIV) He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

CONCLUSION:

God is looking for those who will hear His voice and obey it!