Listening to God

Reasons for Delay in Answers

Part III

Discerning Gods VoiceIs it in line with what the Bible actually states?

Does it match the overall teaching of Gods’ Word on that subject?

Is it in harmony with the character of God and the ways of God from the Word of God?

Discerning Gods VoiceGod will never tell us to do something that:- Is in any way unholy or harmful to another- Is unloving- Would lessen our love toward our husband/wife or family member- Hinders our witness for Christ

Discerning Gods Voice- Lessens our burden for lost souls- Segregates us from the rest of the body of Christ by our choices- Would bring dishonour to Gods name- Would give a distorted view of Gods character (although many times in the Bible God told his servants to do unusual things)

Reasons for Delay in Answers

1.Asking the wrong question2.We have been consciously/unconsciously been dictating to God the method which we want Him to speak to us3.Sometimes God is silent4.God wants us to wait on Him5.God is testing us6.The next move is Gods

1. Asking the Wrong QuestionOur question can be:

-unwise-Wrong intentions-Good but not asked in proper order or timing-Related to other peoples lives-It’s not our place of responsibilty

1.Asking the Wrong QuestionPeter turned around and saw

behind them the disciple Jesus loved—the one who had leaned over to Jesus during supper and asked, “Lord, who will betray you?” 21 Peter asked Jesus, “What about him, Lord?”Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.”

John 21:20-22

2. Consciously/Unconsciously

dictating to God the method we want him to speak to us

Gods unexpected answer to ElijahThen He said, “Go out, and stand

on the mountain before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.

1 Kings 19:11-13

3. God is Silent

It is the glory of God to conceal a matter;    to search out a matter is the glory of kings.

4. God wants us to Wait on Him- Jeremiah 10 days

- Daniel 21 days- Abraham 10 years- Moses 6 days then 40 years

Waiting on God

God will never substitute good old fashioned seeking God in silence and solitude no matter

how fast technology goes.

Wait on God

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Psalm 37:7

5. God is Testing us

A delay can be because God is testing us to see if we diligent seekers or casual inquirers

When God is testing usHebrews 11:6But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Singleness of Purpose & IntensityThen 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.Jeremiah

29:12-13

- Abraham & Isaac- Joseph“...Joseph, who was sold as a slave. His feet were hurt with fetters; his neck was put in a collar of iron; until what he had said came to pass, the word of the LORD tested him.

Psalm 105:18-19

Testing Trust & Obedience

Commit your way to the Lord

Commit your way to the LORD;trust in him, and he will act.

Hebrew word for “Commit” means to “throw”.

6. When the next move is Gods

Psalm 35:5