You may have heard people say God ‘spoke to them’. Oftentimes, it seems strange as some people wonder, "did He talk to you in a dream or face to face”, "how does he sound”, "why did He speak to you?” With all this is mind, it is easy for some to believe this.
Pastor Emmanuel Muhirwa from Healing Centre Church in Remera, says that God doesn’t communicate with us the way we communicate with each another. He communicates from His spirit to your spirit, and then your spirit communicates what you hear in your mind.
He explains that you can only know how He communicates when you spare time and know about his word because all the answers are there.
"Also, through prayers, you can hear God speak. Just as Jeremiah 29:12-13 says, ‘Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart’,” he says.
Muhirwa also notes that God speaks through His counsel and it is backed up by Proverbs 11: 14, which says that for lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers. He also adds that through dreams and visions, God can also talk.
Evangelist King Ndizeye from Foursquare Gospel Church Kimironko, says God’s voice is discerned through the Holy Spirit and how believers seek Him, just as Proverbs 3:5-6 states, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.”
He also explains that one can detect God’s voice through personal events, for instance, through occasions that can teach someone about God’s supreme nature.
Characteristics of God’s voice
According to "InTouch Ministries”, a gospel platform, God’s voice will be consistent with His Word. Whatever He speaks in one’s heart must match what He has spoken on the printed page.
His message will often conflict with human nature. Sometimes the Lord may require of everyone something that seems beyond their abilities. But, He is faithful to enable them.
His voice will always clash with fleshly ideas. God never leads His people into activities or relationships that contradict His Word. The Lord challenges his people’s faith. Because He wants them to grow in faith, God sometimes calls them to face their fears and trust Him more.
His voice is often quiet. Instead of answering prayers in dramatic ways, the Lord often speaks to people’s hearts quietly and unexpectedly in the normal course of the day.
He speaks specifically. The Lord loves his people so much, He wants them to know exactly what He’s saying.