Hearing His Voice

Q. Thanks for being a blessing to many!  Jesus said my sheep hear my voice.  So this statement implies that only God’s people hear His voice. I have been trying to seek directions in life and eager to hear Him speak.  However, I did not get any response. Does it mean I am not His sheep?  Does it even mean that I do not have salvation ?

A. You’re referring to John 10:27.  My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

Most believers have never heard the audible voice of the Lord.  The Lord’s “voice” in our life is the guidance provided by the Holy Spirit.  Some people refer to this as our conscience, an inner voice that helps us determine right from wrong.  When we disregard it and do wrong, our inner voice convicts us, and prompts us to seek forgiveness.  By learning to listen to this inner voice, we accomplish the goal of following the Lord.

Sometimes we’ll also feel the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the “nudges” we get from the world around us.  The Lord often guides believers by opening some doors of opportunity while closing others.

In all this we have to remember that we’re responsible for our lives.  Normally, the Holy Spirit will only advise us.  If we want Him to take charge we have to give Him permission.  Romans 12:1-2 explains how to accomplish this.