4th Sunday of Easter (Good shepherd Sunday) | Year A
In a world full of noise – social media, opinions, fear, ambition – how do you know which voice is God’s? The greatest tragedy is not that God isn’t speaking or not loud enough. The greatest tragedy is that we don’t recognize when He is speaking. The problem is rarely God’s transmission. The problem is our reception. If you want to know how to identify God’s voice continue reading slowly.
John 10:27 “My sheep hear My voice, and i know them, and they follow Me”.
POINTS FOR REFLECTION
Child of God, Jesus didn’t say, “My sheep might hear My voice.” He said, “My sheep hear my voice.” If you are baptised (born again), you have the capacity to hear. There are many clues to discerning the voice of God today in the midst of the chaotic and conflicting voices in the world:
1.KNOW THE CHARACTER OF THE VOICE
Character refers to the aggregate of distinct traits that define a person, thing, or place. Knowing the character of God is the first step to knowing His voice because GOD SOUNDS LIKE HIS WORD!
Hebrews 1:1-2 – “In the past God spoke… through the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son.”
John 1:1 – “Jesus is the Word. That means God will never say anything that contradicts Scripture”.
A. God’s Voice Aligns with Scripture
Isaiah 8:20 – “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” If the “voice” tells you to divorce your spouse to marry someone else, it’s not God. Malachi 2:16 says He hates divorce. If it tells you to lie “just this once” for promotion, it’s not God. Numbers 23:19 – God cannot lie.
Example: Eve in Genesis 3:1-6
The serpent said, “Did God really say?” He twisted God’s Word. Eve knew what God said, but she didn’t stand on it. You identify God’s voice by knowing His Word. You can’t discern a counterfeit if you don’t know the original.
Application: Before you say “God told me,” open your Bible. 90% of confusion about God’s voice disappears when you’re saturated with Scripture.
2.KNOW THE TONE OF THE VOICE: GOD SOUNDS LIKE A FATHER, NOT AN ACCUSER
1 Kings 19:11-13 – Elijah was in a cave. God was not in the wind, earthquake, or fire. “And after the fire came a gentle whisper.” Romans 8:15-16 – “You received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit Himself testifies…”
A. God’s Voice Brings Conviction, Not Condemnation
John 16:8 – The Holy Spirit convicts of sin. Conviction says, “That was wrong. Come home.” Revelation 12:10 – Satan is the accuser. Condemnation says, “You are wrong. You’ll never change.” Conviction draws you to God. Condemnation drives you from God.
Example: Peter vs. Judas
Both betrayed Jesus. Peter heard conviction: Luke 22:61-62 – “The Lord turned and looked at Peter… and he went out and wept bitterly.” That look brought him back. Judas heard condemnation: Matthew 27:3-5 he despaired and hanged himself. Same sin, different voices.
B. God’s Voice Brings Peace, Not Confusion
1 Corinthians 14:33 “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” Colossians 3:15 “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” Rule = act as umpire.
If a decision produces panic, pressure, and torment, wait. If it produces peace even when it’s hard, move. Application: Ask, “What is the tone?” Does this voice sound like the Father who ran to the prodigal, or like the enemy who wants to kill you with shame?
3. KNOW THE CONFIRMATION OF THE VOICE: GOD SPEAKS IN HARMONY
God rarely speaks through only one channel. He establishes truth by 2 or 3 witnesses 2 Corinthians 13:1.
A. Confirmation Through Inner Witness
Romans 8:16 “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit.” It’s a deep “knowing” in your spirit. Not goosebumps, but a settled assurance.
Example: Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:4-10. He heard a voice 3 times. He didn’t recognize it until Eli taught him to say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” Mentorship helps you identify.
B. Confirmation Through Circumstances & Counsel
Proverbs 11:14 “In the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Psalm 37:23 “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.” God opens doors no man shuts Rev 3:7. But He also closes doors no man opens.
Example: Gideon in Judges 6:36-40. He asked for the fleece twice. Not because God wasn’t clear, but because Gideon was afraid. God is patient with our need for confirmation if our heart is to obey.
Warning: Don’t ask God to speak and then ignore godly counsel because you didn’t like it. If every mature believer says “wait” and you alone say “go,” check again.
C. Confirmation Through Time
Habakkuk 2:3 – “Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come.” God’s voice produces fruit over time. Impulsive voices push for now. God’s voice can wait.
Example: Joseph Genesis 37:5-11 vs. Genesis 41:41-44. 13 years between dream and throne. If it’s God, time will not kill it; time will clarify it.
4. HOW TO POSITION YOURSELF TO HEAR CLEARLY
1. Be Saved – John 10:27 – Sheep, not goats, hear. You need relationship before reception.
2. Be Still – Psalm 46:10 – _”Be still, and know that I am God.” Noise cancels signal. Turn off TikTok and tune in.
3. Be Obedient in the Last Thing – John 7:17 – _”Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether My teaching comes from God.”_ If you ignored last instruction, why would He give new ones?
4. Be Filled with the Word – Colossians 3:16 – When the Word dwells in you richly, you recognize the Author’s voice faster.
CONCLUSION
God is speaking. The question is: Are you tuned in? The devil shouts. The flesh screams. But the Father whispers. And His sheep know His whisper. Don’t live by “I think” or “I feel.” Live by “I heard.” And you hear by knowing His Word, recognizing His tone, and waiting for His confirmation.
PRAYER POINTS: TO HEAR AND DISCERN GOD’S VOICE
- Prayer for Sonship & Access: Father, I thank You that I am Your sheep and I hear Your voice. Remove every stranger’s voice from my life. I belong to You. John 10:27
- Prayer for Cleansed Ears: Lord, forgive me for allowing noise, sin, and distraction to dull my hearing. Wash my ears with Your Word. Tune me to heaven’s frequency. Psalm 51:10
- Prayer for Discernment: Holy Spirit, Teacher of truth, give me discernment. Let me differentiate between Your voice, my voice, and the enemy’s voice. Let me not be deceived. 1 John 4:1
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Prayer for the Still Small Voice: Like Elijah, teach me to recognize You in the gentle whisper. Quiet every storm in my soul so I can hear You clearly. 1 Kings 19:12
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Prayer for Obedience: Lord, I will not be a hearer only. Give me courage to obey what You say, even when it’s hard. My answer is yes before You speak. James 1:22
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Prayer for Confirmation: Father, establish Your word to me by two or three witnesses. Order my steps, open the right doors, and send godly counsel. 2 Corinthians 13:1
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Declaration: I declare: I am not confused. I am not deaf to God. I hear Him clearly, I know His voice, and I follow Him. From today, divine direction is my portion, in Jesus’ name!
Final Charge: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:9 Say it. Then be quiet. He’s closer than you think.
