“And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And a voice said, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ “‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭19:12-13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

There are a cacophony of noises swirling around us right now. News headlines echo accusations in the political realm and carry the cries of the pain of thousands around the world. Social media roars with voices calling for contradictory actions and attitudes. Even our own homes are filled with the normal voices of life that call for our attention. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and distracted. Which voice has your attention right now? Is that the voice you most need to listen to?

Where is the harmonious sound of God’s voice in the midst of all that dissonance? Scripture describes Elijah’s experience as recognizing the still small voice, the gentle whisper,  as the voice of God, not the fire, or the earthquake or the whirlwind. (1 Kings 19: 8-13) Are you hearing God’s voice in the middle of the constant cultural roar? You may be asking, “How do I know when I am hearing Him? How can I learn to recognize God's voice?”

Here’s a first tip: God speaks in a number of ways, but the primary way that God speaks to His people is through His Word. Anything that you think you are hearing from God MUST line up with His Word. The Word of God outlines how God wants His people to behave, how to treat others and what it looks like to love God by loving others in a multitude of vibrant illustrations and instructions. It also provides some graphic pictures of what it looks like when people don't live according to His guidelines. The more I read and study God's Word, the more I see how completely practical it is, and how relevant it remains to modern daily life. That’s a good place to begin in learning to recognize God’s voice. 

As I read the Bible it helps to keep in mind that the Word of God is one story from beginning to end,  and that, ultimately, God is the major character in that one story. In it's pages the Bible tells a love story, the story of God pursuing a restored relationship with humanity. It makes clear that God's primary purpose for all people is salvation, a restored relationship with Him. That covers every area of human life - spiritual, emotional, physical and material. It's both an instant and a progressive restoration. Once we begin to experience that restoration in our own lives, God's Word makes it clear that our main mission is to bring others into that restoration process. It helps to hear God when you know what you need to listen for! What He says to you will always be connected to the main mission. 

As we seek to say YES to God it helps to keep the broader mission in focus. God's unique mission for me or you is always going to be part of the bigger mission. No exceptions. Whatever God calls you or me to do is going to trace back to salvation through the cross of Jesus Christ. Keeping that in mind can go a long way toward helping us to discern His voice.

If God calls me to a public platform, then the ultimate purpose of that platform is to bring people further along in their restoration journey with God. It isn't for me to make money or have notoriety. It is not for my benefit, but so that God can be glorified through me.

If God keeps me in a quiet place, maybe at home with small children or a loved one with a disability or an elderly relative, it isn't because He is punishing me or preventing me from fulfilling some great purpose. My mission then remains the same: to help those in my sphere of influence to move further along on their journey with God so that He will be glorified through me.  That is the greatest purpose there is!

Where are you at on your restoration journey with God? Have you been allowing God to continue the restoration process in your life? You have? Good! Then you have something to share with the people in your sphere of influence. The beginning of hearing God and fulfilling your unique mission on the earth is to keep the broader mission in focus as you go about your day to day interactions with people. As you make choices to live according to God's Word, look for ways that God may be calling you to guide the people in your life closer to Him through your example. When you do that you are saying YES to God in a BIG way. Don’t get distracted by all the other noise! Fulfill your mission!

Now, quiet your heart for a minute. Stop and listen. Let the constant noise fade from your consciousness and focus on the gentle whisper of God. That’s the voice that will keep you on mission!

Key thought: Hearing God’s voice keeps me on mission. 

A Scripture to Consider:   

“And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And a voice said, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ “‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭19:12-13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

A YES Challenge: How might God want to use you in your current sphere of influence to draw people closer to Him?

Prayer: God, I really want You to use me. Help me to remember that Your mission is always to draw people into a restored relationship with You. Help me to hear Your voice above the noise. Show me how You want to use me in my current sphere of influence.  Help me not to miss the opportunity around me by looking for something bigger or somewhere else. Help me to keep the larger mission in focus as I seek You for the unique mission You have called me to. Amen.