There are many voices in this life, the loudest of which is most often our own minds, feelings and emotions. We must learn to turn the volume down on the many voices competing for our attention, and in so doing turn up the Lord’s voice. Jesus promised in John 10:27, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” So, we know the potential to “hear Him” exists, and that He is in fact speaking, but the challenge sometimes is in our listening.
Fasting helps to turn down those “other” voices, and tune our spirit into God’s voice. By becoming more sensitive to Him, we become more sensitive to hear what He has to say to us. Then His instructions and guidance can enter our lives, and we can follow Him more fully.
The great Apostle Paul is once again a wonderful example to us, illustrating beautifully what it means to be sensitive to hear the voice of God’s Spirit. Remember, Paul didn’t walk with Jesus like the other disciples did. He found the Lord later, after the Lord had already died, rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. However, the seeming disadvantage of not walking with Jesus in the flesh didn’t seem to hinder Paul from being able to recognize the voice of God’s Spirit. Paul learned to tune himself in, and as a result revelation(16) flowed to Him in abundance.
Listen to the boldness and confidence of these words spoken by Paul,
1 Timothy 4:1
“Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter time some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to deducing spirits, and doctrines of devils…”
And, if you read the verses that follow, Paul goes on to reveal more of the details that the Holy Spirit expressly spoke to Him. Details that poured forth into Paul’s heart and mind in such clarity that he knew for certain, this is what the Holy Spirit is saying. That same confidence to hear and to know what the Holy Spirit is saying is the birthright of every child of God.
Romans 8:14
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”
Take some time today, and listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to you. Your ability to hear and recognize His voice will become more and more refined as you grow in your relationship with Him. But you should begin listening today. Record what you sense the Holy Spirit is saying to you…
(16) Ephesians 3:3