The Hearing God Course at Gateway South Austin is a journey that will help you grow and deepen your relationship with God and discover His voice.
Hearing God begins not with technique, but surrender.
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” —John 10:27
God is not silent.
The primary obstacle to hearing Him is not His unwillingness to speak, but our unwillingness to listen – due to distractions or not liking what we hear.
How do we discern His voice?
Remove Distractions, Listen, and Look for the Clues God Gives:
Supernatural Clues:
Seeking God (Prayer)
Seeking God (The Bible)
Spirit of God
Signs
External Clues:
Sage counsel
Circumstances
Internal Clues:
Significance
Wisdom multiplies when discernment is shared.
Sage counsel can guide us and confirm direction but does not replace our relationship with God.
God loves to speak through spiritually mature voices who know us, love us, and aren’t impressed by us. Humility opens the door for guidance.
Bible Verses
“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” – Proverbs 11:14
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” – Proverbs 15:22
How to Make Decisions
In Decision Making and the Will of God, Gary Friesen and J. Robin Maxson share the way of wisdom:
1. “Where God commands, we must obey.”
God makes clear His moral will for us as described in God’s Word.
2. “Where there is no command, God gives us freedom (and responsibility) to choose.”
Seek to become a person of integrity, making the right decision, no matter how small it is, and even when no one is looking.
When more than one good choice, with God’s help, you can make whichever good option you choose work.
3. “Where there is no command, God gives us wisdom to choose.”
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” – Prov. 9:10
“The fear of God doesn’t mean you’re scared of Him; it means you’re terrified to be away from Him.”
– John Bevere, The Awe of God: The Astounding Way a Healthy Fear of God Transforms Your Life
4. “When we have chosen what is moral and wise, we must trust the sovereign God to work all the details together for good.”
There is still mystery, but God is not hiding from us. He wants us to do His will more than we do.
Next Steps:
Ask one trusted, godly person: “What do you see God forming or inviting me into?”
Read Fruitful: Becoming Who God Created You To Be
Discussion Questions:
Who has had the biggest influence on your spiritual life, and why?
Why is it sometimes difficult to invite others into our discernment process?
How do humility and community make it easier to hear God’s voice?
Who are one or two people you trust to speak honestly and spiritually into your life?
Is there a decision or situation where God may be inviting you to seek counsel instead of going it alone?
