I’ve heard the Audible Voice of the Holy Spirit only a few times in my walk with the Lord. Those times were pivotal to my life and calling. God was intentional about leading me this way. Most other regular leadings have come in ways other than the audible voice.
Friend, God does leads His children through the Audible Voice, but only on rare occasions. I notice that when some people say that they are not hearing God; what they often mean is that they are not hearing any audible voice. This does not mean that God is not leading them through other means. Let me show you why God leads His people through this spectacular means and its implications.
The first thing to note is that, just like visions and dreams, it is God’s own prerogative to lead you via the Audible Voice. You cannot press into it or assume you hear it, else, you open yourself up to strange voices (John 10:4-5, 1 Corinthians 14:10). God has His reasons for choosing to lead you via the Audible Voice and you need to trust His wisdom.
The second thing to note is that the Audible Voice is authoritative; it is also called the Authoritative Voice of the Holy Spirit. Yes, the Holy Spirit does speak with authority. Of course, there are times He suggests, counsels and encourages. But when it comes to leading you via the Audible Voice, He speaks with authority; He commands (not force). This is one way to recognize this voice (Acts 8:29).
The Audible Voice of the Holy Spirit sometimes comes in form of a human voice; particularly the voice that you are already used to. This is what we saw with Samuel and Eli (1 Samuel 3:4-10). God is not an author of confusion. He does not normally deal with us in ways that we are not already used to. You must be a man under authority if you would hear His Authoritative Voice. Don’t be given to too many voices.
Who is that person that is constantly speaking to you through whom the voice of the Holy Spirit can reach you? Whose voice have you become accustomed and obedient to? Finally, God would choose to lead you via the Audible Voice if you would be walking a peculiar road in life and destiny; He knows you would need more than “I perceive” if you would be safe on such journeys (Acts 9:3-6). That voice comes with enough faith to drive your special calling and destiny (Matthew 17:1-3, Acts 26:19, 2 Peter 1:18-19).
© ‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria