I’ve never literally heard God speak. I’ve never received a text, tweet, email, letter, or phone call either. I am extremely hesitant to say, “God told me” or “God gave me a word.” Then, I am highly skeptical of asking for… looking for… or attributing events as signs from God (Satan can counterfeit signs). At the same time I have often sought to hear God… to receive a word from him… to know what he would have me do in a certain situation.
Because I haven’t heard from God like some in the Old and New Testament did, I’ve wondered if God: 1) Heard me, 2) Cared, 3) Was working {Just being transparent}. Then upon deeper reflection I remember…
“I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. (1 Kings 19:10-12)
God usually doesn’t yell. Nor does he often do the stupendous to get our attention. Rather God has chosen to reveal himself in simple, non obtrusive ways… in “the sound of a low whisper.” A fleeting thought here, a chance encounter there, things others would miss much like a small burning bush that others would only glace at. Upon reflection it is true that God speaks often… daily… and powerfully! Here’s how…
Creation (Universal to believers AND unbelievers). s
What can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. (Romans 1:19-20)
The Heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. (Psalm 19:1-2)
Scripture (God’s people). God’s Word IS the mind of Christ! It IS the voice of God! In “How Firm A Foundation” is the phrase… “What more can He say than to you He has said… That is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!” Here is the thing… anytime I want or need to “hear” God, I can go to Scripture and the miraculous occurs! I quite literally HEAR GOD. Consider…
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature… (2 Peter 1:3-4)
Thus the question becomes: Is it enough to rely on what God has provided (Jesus, The Holy Spirit, Scripture, His promises), or dare I require more? Abraham told the Rich Man in hell his brothers had Moses and the Prophets, they didn’t need someone to rise from the dead to believe. The Jews had Jesus right in front of them, yet they demanded more signs (Raising the dead, casting out demons, healing the lame, and feeding thousands wasn’t enough!).
Yes… it IS enough to: 1) Know my name is written down in heaven, 2) To have the Scripture, 3) To see evidence of God in creation, and thus to trust God at all times as Job and Habakkuk did…
Though (God) slay me, I will hope in him… (Job 13:15)
Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places. (Habakkuk 3:17-19)