Listen for God’s voice

“For God does speak — now one way, now another — though no one perceives it.”

— Job 33:14 (NIV)

Several decades ago, my oldest son was in a near fatal accident. I still remember how excited I felt when his nurse called and gave me the news that he was out of his coma. But she cautioned me that he was still confused.

When I arrived at the hospital, I quietly walked into his room. I quickly assessed him from head to toe. I saw no apparent change in his condition. His eye sockets were still badly bruised and his lids were swollen shut. I couldn’t tell if he was awake or asleep.

I felt butterflies in my stomach as I bent down at his bedside. I gently whispered in his ear, “Hi, Jim, this is your mother.”

There was a hesitation. Then he crinkled up his brow as he said, “Are you sure?”

I replied, “Whose voice does it sound like,”

Then the wrinkle left his brow as he produced a slight smile and replied, “My mother’s.”

Jim was comforted at the sound of my voice. But it was years of hearing my voice that helped him recognize who was speaking. It’s the same way with us and our relationship with God. We strive to hear from him. But with the various thoughts roaming through our head, we ‘re not always sure it’s his voice we’re hearing.

Divine guidance is God’s will for us. There are several ways he speaks to us:

• Through dreams. I’ve had spiritual dreams that were heavenly messages.

• Praying and reading the truth in his word, like it’s a personal message to us.

• Listening for the whispers in our mind that bring new insights.

• By a strong impression. You can’t explain it — you just know that you know.

• By peace in your gut.

Stay patient and keep in mind that God does not always show us the whole plan, but leads us step- by- step.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author of the book “Letters To A Friend,” speaker, life and writing coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com.