Have you ever wished you could hear God more clearly?
Maybe you've prayed for guidance about a decision, a relationship, or your next steps—and wondered whether you were hearing your own thoughts or His “still, small voice.”
Recognizing God’s voice is one of the most important parts of walking with Him.
This month, we're sharing Dr. Stanley's insights on what it means to truly listen and trust Him with the direction of our lives.
I think all of us would like to please God.
The Bible says Noah enjoyed God’s favor (Gen. 6:8). One reason was because he listened to and trusted Him.
Let me ask you something: Do you know how to listen to God? Many people talk to God about this and that, and then get up and hope for the best. Do you close your prayer with a sense of expectation that He will answer?
The Bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Prov 3:5-6).
“Straight paths” represent a blessed life, one in which God clears away obstacles and leads us in a direction that is full of benefits. It’s not problem-free, since adversity is part of every godly life, but it is a life of favor, walking in loving fellowship with the Lord.
What must we do to have this kind of life?
To enjoy the Lord’s favor, we must listen to Him carefully.
Sometimes He gives us a deep impression in our heart about a step He wants us to take. Do you pay close attention to those impressions? Are you able to assess them and identify what is from God? This is essential to walking with Him.
Genesis 6:13-14 tells us that “God said to Noah … ‘Make for yourself an ark,’” and Noah understood.
We must be sensitive to God’s leading and know how He speaks to us personally so we can follow His instructions.
Then, we must trust Him completely.
There will be times when God tells us to do something that nobody else would agree with. We may not understand it, but that’s not an excuse to ignore Him or delay.
God has often said something to me that He didn't explain, but He made it clear in my heart what He wanted me to do, regardless of how I felt about it.
The Lord assumes full responsibility for our needs when we obey Him. And He will provide whatever is necessary for us to carry out His will.
Look at Noah. I don’t know what he thought about building that ark, but we know this: God provided every piece of wood, and He brought all the animals along just in time, too.
It’s fine to say, “God, I don’t understand this,” but if He tells us to do something, there’s just one correct response: “I’ll do it.”
Finally, we need to remember His character.
Noah had courage because he knew the character of his God.
If we are confident in the Lord’s faithfulness, we, too, will have the courage we need to obey His promptings and continue on the path He sets for us, no matter how things may look.
Noah saw the entire world being destroyed around him, yet he knew God would keep His promises.
Noah, his family, and all those animals came out of the destruction alive to start the world over again. Was Noah a perfect man? No, but he listened to the Lord, trusted Him, and obeyed.
Ask your heavenly Father for strength to do whatever He is calling you to do.
No matter your situation, He longs to answer your prayers, set your course, give needed instruction, provide what’s necessary to obey, and deliver you just where He wants you to be.
As you walk with Him, He will straighten your path and grant you the best possible life: a life of His favor.
We hope Dr. Stanley’s insights will help you feel more confident in recognizing God’s voice in the weeks to come. And in those times when you’re still unsure, don’t worry. Keep seeking Him sincerely, listening carefully, and stepping forward in faith.
God honors that kind of humble obedience, and He’s faithful to guide you even when the path feels uncertain. Till next time, God bless you.
For His glory,
Your friends at In Touch Ministries
P.S. This June, let’s lift up the fathers we know—asking the Lord to guide them, sustain them, and fill them with confidence that He’s directing their steps.
Fatherhood requires daily trust in the Lord, and we’re thankful for all the men doing their best to lean on Him. Happy Father’s Day!