By Steve

Does God still speak? I believe yes. But what is he saying? How do you discern his voice? How can I know that It's just not my own thinking? I'm not sure! And I think most of us have a tendency to complicate this. Some attribute most everything to God, others give him little credit. We seek God's will (voice) on things God may care little about...like careers and colleges to attend and what team to bet for. Because we so actively seek God's voice, we may not be too receptive to listen when we don't seek...God may have things to say to us about things we are not currently considering. And we so often make up our mind on things before ever seeking God, that maybe we seek God for affirmation than we really do for direction. Anyway...

There is this passage in 1 Kings 19 where God is speaking to the prophet Elijah. I think you should read it, 19:10-18. God tells Elijah to go stand on a mountain because the Lord is about to pass by. Of course Elijah went, I wouldn't want to miss that either (but I probably would have missed it because I would have spent too much time trying to figure out if it was God who told me that or not). While Elijah was there on that mountain, there was wind, an earthquake, a fire but no God. Then came this gentle whisper...It was the Lord, and Elijah and the Lord had a conversation.

Maybe one way to get at the voice of God, and help in discerning it is to listen for it in the quiet (a Psalm 46:10 "be still and know I am God" sort of way). It may be harder to hear the voice of God in the chaos, in the turbulent times and when tempers, personalities or issues flare. Elijah was a prophet and he heard the voice of God when things finally calmed down.

I for one believe that God is speaking to people loud and clear these days on very real issues. Social justice, the war, the environment and homosexuality to name a few. It is my belief that the one's that really speak from God, using their prophetic voice over their own conviction or anger or frustration will speak from a similar heart as Elijah. They will be concerned that people have left the ways and heart of God. They will yearn to bring people back to God more than they will want people just to agree with their perspective. They will speak with humble conviction, believing they represent the heart of God and are not just seeking to be right or affirm their positions. And when others knock us down, we will see little reason to defend or argue because we will not take opposition personally.

Revolutions are rarely welcomed with open arms. They can be painful for some and disruptive for most. It is my stance that Jesus came to earth to begin a revolution and as followers we are to join him in this mission. In his tact, and heart, and compassion, and peace-bringing, and love, and honesty, and etc. We are not starting a new revolution or our own revolution (and we must be cautious and exercise wisdom here) but joining Christ in his. Which of course brings us back to the first few questions of this article.