During my time as a campus pastor, a member shared an inspiring testimony about her exam experience. She said, “In the middle of my exam, I was stuck. Then, I heard my pastor’s voice in my mind, and it gave me the guidance I needed to ace the test.”
Friend, learning to hear and follow God’s voice is crucial. One way to develop this skill is by listening to and respecting the voices of authority figures in your life, like parents, pastors, and mentors (1 Samuel 3:9). God often uses familiar voices to guide us into unfamiliar territories. If you’re not listening to the people He’s placed in your life, it’s unlikely you’ll hear His voice.
God uses authority figures to shape our spirits and prepare us to hear His voice (1 Samuel 3:4-5). Be cautious of those who claim to hear from God but disregard the voices of their leaders. Often, they’re being influenced by their own thoughts or deceptive voices.
Your willingness to listen to your teachers and mentors directly affects your ability to hear and follow God’s guidance (Isaiah 30:20-21). Who is the person in your life that God has placed to help you hear His voice? How are you responding to them?
Your relationship with the Bible is also crucial. If you’re not valuing God’s written word, you’re unlikely to hear His spoken word (Psalms 29:3, Isaiah 8:19-20). If you’re disobedient to your local church pastor, it’s inconsistent to claim you’re following Jesus, the Chief Shepherd (Hebrews 13:7, 17).
The story of Samuel shows us that being open and obedient to authority figures can lead to a powerful prophetic voice (1 Samuel 3). To hear God’s voice, cultivate a listening heart, and a willingness to follow (Isaiah 50:4-6). May you recognize and respond to your teachers and mentors today.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria