" My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." — John 10:27 (NLT)
Have you ever wondered, Can I really hear God’s voice? Maybe you’ve felt like He speaks to others but not to you. Or maybe you’ve gone through seasons where you felt distant, uncertain, or even discouraged because you weren’t sure if He was speaking at all. If that’s you, I want to encourage you today: You absolutely can hear God’s voice. In fact, He created you to communicate with Him!
In John 10:27, Jesus makes a powerful statement:
" My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." — John 10:27 (NLT)
If you belong to Jesus, you have been given the ability to hear Him. It’s not reserved for pastors, prophets, or a select few—it’s for every believer. Hearing God’s voice isn’t just about recognizing when He’s speaking, but it’s also about growing in your relationship with Him. Just like you recognize the voice of a close friend or family member, the more time you spend with God, the more familiar His voice becomes.
One of the biggest misconceptions about hearing from God is that it’s a rare occurrence. Some people believe He only speaks in big, dramatic ways—like a loud voice from heaven or through an angelic encounter. But the truth is, God speaks all the time and in many different ways.
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” - Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)
God’s heart is for a close, intimate relationship with you. He desires you to call on Him, and He promises to answer. He speaks through His Word, through His Spirit, through circumstances, and even through the people around you.
Have you ever been reading a Bible verse and suddenly felt like it was written just for you in that moment? That’s God speaking. Have you ever received a word of encouragement from a friend that seemed to address exactly what you were struggling with? That’s God speaking.
The key to hearing God isn’t a matter of if He is speaking—it’s about recognizing how He is speaking.
Many times, the issue is not that God isn’t speaking but that there are things blocking us from hearing Him clearly. Let’s talk about a few obstacles that can make it difficult to hear His voice and how to overcome them.
Overcoming the Obstacles to Hearing God:
1. Distractions
We live in a world filled with noise—social media, work, family responsibilities, and a never-ending to-do list. If we’re not careful, these distractions can drown out God’s voice.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” - Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
God often speaks in a still, small voice. If we want to hear Him, we need to make intentional space for silence and stillness in our lives. Try setting aside just 5-10 minutes a day to sit quietly before God with no agenda—just listening.
2. Doubt and Unbelief
Sometimes, we struggle to hear God because we doubt that He wants to speak to us. Maybe past experiences or disappointments have made you question whether you can really hear from Him.
“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” - James 1:6 (NIV)
Doubt can keep us from recognizing God’s voice. The good news is, you don’t have to be perfect—just willing. When you ask Him to speak, believe that He will. Pray this simple prayer: “God, I believe You are speaking to me. Help me to recognize Your voice.”
3. Fear of Getting It Wrong
Have you ever been afraid that what you’re hearing isn’t actually God? Maybe you’ve asked, What if I’m just making this up?
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” - 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
God doesn’t want you to be afraid of missing His voice. He is a loving Father, and He will confirm His words to you. If you feel led to do something that aligns with Scripture, brings peace, and draws you closer to Him—it’s likely Him speaking. When you feel like God is speaking, ask yourself:
• Does this align with Scripture?
• Does this bring peace, even if it challenges me?
• Does this encourage me to trust God more?
Just like any relationship, communication with God grows with time and consistency. The more you prioritize listening to Him, the clearer His voice will become in your life.
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” - Isaiah 30:2 (NIV)
God wants to guide you. He wants to lead you. He wants to speak to you.
Take a moment to reflect on this question: When was the last time I felt like God was speaking to me? How did I respond?
If you feel like you haven’t heard from Him in a while, write down what you’re hoping He will speak to you about and spend time in prayer, asking Him to reveal His heart to you. Say this out loud:
“I am a child of God, and I hear His voice clearly. He is always speaking, and I am always listening.”
Remember, God’s voice is not reserved for a select few—it is available to every believer who is willing to listen. You don’t have to wonder if He is speaking; He is always guiding, always present, and always faithful. Take time this week to intentionally seek Him, trust that you have the capacity to hear, and expect Him to speak in ways you may not have noticed before. Don’t let doubt, fear, or distractions keep you from hearing God’s voice. He wants to speak to you because He loves you.
Dear God, thank you for being a God who speaks. I am so grateful that I have the capacity to hear your voice. Help me to remove distractions and tune in to your Spirit. Open my heart to receive your wisdom, and give me the confidence to trust that I can recognize when you are speaking. Let my ears be attentive, my heart be receptive, and my spirit be aligned with you. Thank you for leading me on this journey of faith. In Jesus' name, AMEN.
I’d love to hear how God is speaking to you—send me an email and share your thoughts.
If you’re ready to go deeper in your journey of hearing from God, grab your Live Love Lead Journal to write down what He speaks to you and track your spiritual growth. You can get your copy by CLICKING HERE.
As you are on your faith journey, I would love to connect more. If you want to further connect or if you’re looking for more inspiration and practical tips on living a Christ-centered life with purpose, head over to the Live Love Lead Community for regular updates and encouragement. Let’s journey together in faith and resilience.
I love you with the love of Christ! ~ April Nicole Scipio 💛
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