DISCERNING THE VOICE OF GOD
Scripture Reading: Acts 27:9-26
Saying, "Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives." - Acts 27:10
This series of incidents on Paul's journey shows us the array of voices at play as we trust God for guidance in our decision making. The first is the opinion of experts. The second is the financial or profit motive. The third is the majority view. The fourth is common sense. The lone voice of truth was Paul's spiritual perception. His prediction of impending danger was divine but did not conform to expert or majority opinion. So how do we hear God's voice?
• Spiritual Conviction. An inner awareness of something that is wrong - a check in your spirit, normally about wrongdoing. That is what brings us to repentance. John 16:8 highlights that part of the Holy Spirit's work, "And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgement."
• The Spirit's Witness. That is a feeling that something is right. It is not always a voice or statement. It is a signal that brings confirmation.
• Spiritual Burden. This is an inward persuasion that God places on our hearts. In Acts 20:22, Paul admitted feeling heavy in his spirit. It manifests in a sudden urge to pray for another person or a situation. It often lacks clarity and calls for prayer until the Holy Spirit removes the burden.
• Spiritual Perception. In the passage above, Paul did not allude to God speaking to him. Spiritual perception is an inward witness about people, things, places and situations you have no knowledge of. God's leading may not always make sense and may even cost you in the process.
• Outward Confirmation. Paul indicated in Acts 20:23 that wherever he went there were confirmations of what he already perceived. Romans 8:14 affirms that we are led by the spirit from within. The external confirmation is only a manifestation.
Prayer: Father, incline my ears to Your voice and help me to always obey.
