The concept of God speaking to someone in an audible voice is definitely out of the ordinary. However, we need to be careful that we do not limit God. Yet, to hear an audible voice would still require us to validate what we hear by comparing it to the Word of God. We have the words of the Apostle Paul in Galatians 1:8, “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” Paul was emphasizing that even if you presumably hear the voice of an angel, and it contradicts the Word of God, may it be accursed.

Let’s consider 1 Kings 19:11-12 as the Lord speaks to Elijah, “And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake 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 A STILL SMALL VOICE.”

Some desire to have a huge revelation from the Lord. They want the Lord to manifest Himself to them in a great and powerful way. A way that will be noticed by all. Yet, we see here that He spoke to Elijah in a STILL SMALL VOICE. It was in a way that did not attract attention, yet required Elijah to be still in order to hear. Let’s consider a few ways the Lord might talk to us today.

HE MAY SPEAK TO US THROUGH OTHERS. Paul was warned about going to Jerusalem by the prophet Agabus in Acts 21:10-11, “And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.”

HE MAY SPEAK TO US THROUGH MANY COUNSELLORS. Proverbs 24:5-6, “A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellers there is safety.”

HE PRIMARILY SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS WORD. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” This literally means that scripture is ‘God breathed’. It is God speaking to us through the ones He chose to write His Holy Word. We are told in Psalms 119:160, “Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.”

HE SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS WORD BY MEANS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. John 14:26, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” The Lord Jesus was speaking to His disciples about the coming of the Holy Spirit. He takes the Word of God and ‘speaks to our hearts’ the truth.

If you desire to hear from God, open your Bible, ask the Lord to open your heart and mind to understand it, and study it in dependence on the Lord. He will speak to your heart loud and clear. (336.2)