Can we hear God speaking?

In the aftermath of the 2020 election where anyone whose eyes were opened at all saw a very scary scenario unfold. We were (and still are) facing the real possibility that our national leadership is and will be chosen for us by the ruling elites thereby negating our voices and removing our freedom. It remains as of this date the only conspiracy theory not proven true...yet.(I may address this in later posts) It was after contemplating what kind of country I would be handing off to my kids that I decided I needed to do more. After much prayer and consultation with others I chose to run for State Representative in the district I live in.

It was a blessed time overall and the kids and I had a very rewarding experience. We knocked on thousands of doors, mailed out lots of fliers and attended quite a few campaign events all in the pursuit of something we felt God called us to do. Yet on election day the results were very disappointing. I purposed in my mind afterwards not to make any decisions on my future until several months had passed. I did this to mitigate any hasty or emotional actions I might later regret. I spent time just asking and listening to God. I reviewed everything and was really wondering why? Have you ever been there? Wondering why things didn't turn out the way you were hoping or believing?

It was in this time I heard the Lord speak very clearly to me and it lifted the disappointment and sting from the loss. He spoke the scripture in Psalms 37:23 which says “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.” I heard God say to me that when you ran for office it was in obedience to a step I ordered and that my next step(s) would also be ordered by Him. There is great comfort in knowing that God will take care of our lives and has the results in His hands not ours.

I was later prompted by my brother Joseph to start a podcast. This was never anything that was in my mind to do. However I gave it some thought and prayer and started to feel the leading of God to do it. I reached out to a friend (Jimmy) and asked his thoughts. He was all in and even purchased some equipment so we could get started. It's so good to have friends around like Jimmy. People who not only confirm what God is saying to you but put skin in the game to get you jump started in obedience. The blog is another step I believe is being ordered by the Lord and honestly folks I have no designs or ulterior motives other than doing what I am supposed to. Where this all leads, who knows?

Now I know there are people out there who do not believe God speaks to people today. Many Christians in fact do not believe God speaks and even if He does(they say) He does not speak about small decisions or weigh in on what we care about. I know they are wrong. The Bible clearly indicates an on going relationship with the Holy Spirit that will communicate God's will to us as well as bring to mind the words of Jesus. We are told by scripture(Romans 12:1,2) to offer up ourselves as a living sacrifice and that by renewing our minds we can prove what is that good and perfect and acceptable will of God. Additionally I have heard from the Lord many times and once you have developed hearing God in the way He speaks to you(it's different for each person) then you learn to have faith in what you hear from Him.

A couple of rules I use to make sure I'm not going off the deep end. First, God will never tell you anything that violates scripture. However it may go against what our ideas and set ways are. Just ask Peter or Paul about that. They both had set ways they believed God could move or act and those ideas were a hindrance to walking with Him. God's voice may make us uncomfortable but His leading will always be full of wisdom and good fruit for those that obey.

Another good idea is bouncing what you believe God is speaking to you off of trusted friends or spiritual leaders(such as a pastor). This is important since we can all go astray in our thoughts and we sometimes need people around us to help correct and also to confirm and strengthen us. In the end however it falls on you to obey what you have been told. Pastors and close friends can help for sure but ultimately each of us has the responsibility to cultivate our own relationship with the Lord.

I believe with all my heart that God is speaking always. The real question is are we listening?