Why Don't I Hear From God?

Welcome, everyone, to Christian AnarchySomeone who follows Christ as their only authority—rejecting institutional control over their spiritual life.. As always, I'm Ethan Foster here with two people who challenge me in everything related to Christianity. That's my job title, after all, even though we agree on much.

How Do You Hear From God?

Today's topic is why some feel they do not hear from God. First, let's explore how one might hear from God. Do you hear Him audibly? That can be a little frightening. Do you receive messages in writing? Let's discuss the various ways we might hear from God.

Ways God Communicates

I think it depends on what you ask for or the specific nature of your prayer. For instance, if I ask God to give me an opportunity in ministry and it arises, that could be interpreted as God showing His answer. It provides validation.

The question "Why do I not hear from God?" can sometimes be answered by recognizing that God shows His presence in different ways. If you ask God to tell you how to do something, He doesn’t always respond directly. When He does, the mode of communication can vary.

Seeking Signs and Validation

Sometimes, you see a sign that seems relevant, like when driving down the road and seeing an advertisement for a Chevy. You might think, "Well, there you go, that's a sign from God."

The Role of Scripture

When it comes to seeking truth, particularly through the scripture, a lot can be revealed. My personal experience is that God reveals things step by step. While scripture may not tell you directly whether to buy a Chevy or a Ford, it can guide you in other significant ways.

The Need for Signification

Decisions like buying a vehicle might require concrete signs due to their specificity. In such cases, you might rely on signs because they are the only type of indication you're likely to get. But there's always room for research, checking engine sizes, or consulting consumer ratings.

Recognizing Different Forms of Guidance

I would prefer researching the technical specifications of a vehicle over looking for a sign. It’s not only about signs, but practical insights too. Perhaps going to a dealership and talking to someone knowledgeable can provide guidance. That could also be a form of answer.

The Possibility of Audible Communication

Does God ever communicate audibly today? I won't say no—it’s a possibility. Although I am skeptical, especially since He did speak audibly in the Bible. For instance, on the road to Damascus, some heard a voice while others didn't.

Hearing from God can manifest in multiple forms, and it's valuable to remain open to both spiritual insights and practical wisdom.

Does God Talk to Us? Reflecting on Divine Communication

Exploring Divine Encounters

There are stories in religious texts, like the talking donkey that Balaam encountered, where divine communication is literal and clear. These accounts often pose the question: if someone today says God is talking to them, how should we respond?

I believe it's essential to listen to the content of their words before concluding their validity. For instance, I knew a woman whose husband was convinced God spoke to him while they were on a motorcycle. He heard a voice repeatedly telling him to jump off to avoid an oncoming car. They ended up bandaged after the accident, and I couldn't help but question why God didn't simply instruct him to pull over instead.

Dreams, Visions, and Interpretations

This brings us to another fascinating point: how does God communicate through dreams and visions? A youth pastor I know had a dream involving a fiery horse on a beach, which he claimed was a divine revelation, complete with a specific date. He even discussed this with a Texas pastor who claimed to know exactly the beach referenced. However, I disagree with this interpretation. I think our minds are capable of creating these scenarios, particularly when they revolve around intriguing topics like eschatologyStudy of “last things”—TGNN teaches all biblical eschatology was fulfilled in 70 A.D. More.

Interestingly, my mother mentioned how many Muslims in Iraq claim to see visions of Jesus, leading to their conversion to Christianity. This does raise the possibility that these visions might be divinely inspired.

Distinguishing Diverse Voices

The critical question remains: how do we distinguish between God's voice and our own thoughts or imaginations? There's no straightforward method to tell them apart instantly. It's not as if a low voice in our head signals divine insight while a high voice denotes something sinister. Often, these voices can blur together in our perceptions.

I think it's vital to trust the spirit to guide us in discerning these communications. Through research and observing legitimate signs, we may find guidance. However, it's unwise to immediately attribute everything to divine intervention, like a random dream being a message from God.

Science, Perception, and Divine Plans

Similarly, when it comes to science and seeking answers, our perceptions can be clouded by what we unconsciously wish to find. While this might lead to skepticism about discovering what we want rather than what's true, it's part of human nature.

Reflecting on my own life, there are moments where I questioned God's actions, only to later realize how those events positively shaped my path. In hindsight, I'm thankful for those experiences, acknowledging that God's plan contributed to my growth and understanding.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the question of divine communication remains open, and perhaps that is the beauty of it. Whether through audible voices, dreams, or life's experiences, discerning God's voice requires faith, reflection, and a willingness to trust the unknown.

Understanding Subjective Experiences

The Challenge of Subjective Interpretations

One of the complexities in interpreting dreams or signs is their subjective nature. This often poses a challenge in determining whether they hold any factual basis. Certainty and rules are elusive due to the individual nature of these experiences, as it's difficult to label signs as inherently good or bad. They may simply stem from personal thoughts.

Handling Dreams and Their Meanings

A common query arises when someone approaches you with a dream involving you, claiming its importance. The response is usually to ask for details and reflect on them, albeit with some skepticism. For example, a close friend, notable for her faith, shared that she believed God revealed she would endure imprisonment for her beliefs. Since she's planning a missionary trip to India with a scholarship, the message could be significant or just a product of her mind. Such experiences require cautious consideration.

When Dreams Involve Personal Outcomes

If someone had a dream predicting your imprisonment, a pragmatic response would be to acknowledge the dream and wait to see what unfolds. Renowned pastor Chuck Smith once stated that God doesn't work in isolation; He will convey the same message to both parties involved. Only then can the message be genuinely considered, as relying solely on someone's claim can lead to manipulation, especially in religious contexts.

The Role of Confirmation

To ensure authenticity, one should seek confirmation beyond a single source. In instances where someone claims divine guidance in career or business decisions, it's vital to receive similar guidance personally. The concept of multiple witnesses offers further validation.

The Search for Guidance

Addressing Why Some Don’t Hear from God

A recurring concern is why some individuals feel they don't hear from God. It's essential to know that lack of communication isn't necessarily due to insufficient faith or sinMissing the mark of faith and love—no punishment, just lost growth or peace., as everyone sins. Several possibilities exist, such as not posing the right questions, not receiving the desired answers, or perhaps God choosing not to respond immediately to encourage growth in faith. These are plausible explanations, highlighting the subjective nature of the experience.

What's Next?

For the next discussion session, the focus will shift to the concept of the Trinity, inviting further introspection and engagement on this intricate topic. Stay tuned for an exploration of this profound concept next week on Cat Out.