Hearing God

Hearing God - Part Three

​​Not being able to hear when it matters most is a serious issue. That’s true in our everyday conversations with people, but it’s even more significant when it comes to hearing God. Hearing the Holy Spirit isn’t an optional bonus for Christians—it’s essential. Jesus teaches that we don’t live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). The Greek word for word here is rhema, which is translated the active, spoken word of God. This highlights that life with God isn’t just about reading Scripture but about cultivating a real-time, conversational relationship with Him.

Many Christians either don’t hear from God regularly or don’t expect to. Some of the common barriers to hearing from God are assuming that people who hear from God are weird, disqualifying ourselves by thinking we’re not spiritual enough, or being afraid of what God might say. While those concerns are real, they miss the bigger truth: God’s voice is never meant to harm us but to bless and guide us, even when it challenges us.

At the same time, there are compelling reasons why hearing God is not just possible but vital. First, it’s the essence of a relationship. Friendship with God requires dialogue, not just ritual. Second, it’s the easiest way to navigate life. Like a corn maze, life can feel confusing, but the Spirit’s voice is a map. And third, it’s how we step into our God-given purpose. Each person carries a unique role in the kingdom, and responding to God’s voice is how that role becomes real and fruitful. When we listen for God’s voice, we discover the friendship, guidance, and purpose we were made for.