Hearing God's Voice

by Karina Hudson

Hello! This is my first blog entry for Christian Writer’s Downunder and I hope that those who take a few minutes from their day to read it, will be glad they did.

It’s quite daunting to write something for an audience of writers. A similar feeling emerges when I sing in front of other singers; actually, no, it’s more like when I sang in front of a group of highly trained speech therapists! Thoughts that went through my head included things like “Are they analyzing my larynx for any signs of stress or strain? Is my vocal tract worthy of the title of voice teacher?”

Anyway… after a lot of thought over the content of this blog, I decided on this one ….. HEARING GOD’S VOICE - the how and when of God’s call on our lives.

I’ve known the Lord personally since I was 8 years old. I’m a month away from turning 42. During this time, I’ve come to know through experience that God chooses to speak to me in 4 ways:

1. His Word  2. Prayer/Meditation  3. People  4. Circumstances. I also believe that God can speak through our dreams and through His creation although the former 4 ways will be my focus today.

God’s word doesn’t give me specific instructions on matters of guidance like “Karina, write books for Christian Blended Families” or “Resign from your permanent part-time teaching position”. Wouldn’t that make life easier?  However, God will give me scriptures like “God comforts us in all our troubles so we can use that same comfort to comfort others (2 Cor.1:1-3) or “God causes all things to work together for the good of those who love Him” (Rom. 8:28) to quicken my spirit as to what HIS Spirit is doing and then invites me to get on board with His plans.

I’ve found that the study and meditation of God’s word through daily devotional time coupled with time of prayer and then, with the help of the Holy Spirit, applying His word in my life is the best way by which to live and fulfill His purposes for my life. I certainly haven’t always gotten it right, but would like to hope that the older I’m getting, the wiser I’m becoming to be more in tune with God’s call to answer His promptings without delay.

I try not to play a Russian Roulette of sorts with the Bible anymore, by offering up a popcorn (quick) prayer and then opening the Bible randomly to either expect or hope to hear His voice. Rather, I will take time just to be in His Presence, thinking of Him, waiting for Him and then open the Word. Sometimes an answer will be immediate; other times, I will need to wait and allow Him to show me His will through scripture on another occasion or through people and /or circumstances.

I don’t allow just any person to speak into my life. I have a small number of trustworthy and godly people in my world who I will ask for prayer, wisdom or advice - all of whose advice will line up with God’s word. If God is wanting to reveal His will for me at any time, He will not do so only through His Word, my prayer life and godly people but also through circumstances. This way can become quite exciting; as you seek to see God at work in the everyday, orchestrating seemingly ordinary events to help accomplish His purposes that He delights for us to partner with Him in.

A number of years ago, I believed I heard God’s voice calling me to write books targeted specifically for Christian Blended families and although I tarried in answering His call at first, God, in His everlasting love, grace and patience has continued to grow my faith and reassure me that I DID hear His voice in this direction by saying “My sheep hear my voice” (Jn. 10:3). He used scripture, my times of prayer, people and circumstances to confirm to me what He was calling me to accomplish by His strength and through His grace.

August 12, 2014 will mark the day my first book MY TWO HOUSES will be released to both the United States and Australian marketplaces. I also believe it will be a day of great rejoicing in heaven as another of God’s children has heard God’s voice and been obedient in acting on His calling.

Be assured that God can take our ordinary circumstances and with the creativity and imagination He instills into His children who are writers, can use US as tools to help others hear God’s voice as well. That IS exciting!

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Ecc. 9:10).

Like the eloquent C. Spurgeon has written, “Some people are foolish to think that the only way they can live for God is by becoming a minister or missionary…. Beloved, it is not the work, it is the earnestness with which it is performed”. And I would add “after hearing God’s voice and courageously answering His call.”

Find Karina on her website: karinahudson.tateauthor.com

or her Facebook page: Karina Hudson- Author/writer