Time to Listen: Hearing God’s Voice
This morning, I had the opportunity to meet with a small group of men at C3, a gathering within the CBMC network (Christian Business Men's Connection). Great group of guys—and it’s growing fast. Today’s speaker walked us through something that’s both deeply personal and widely misunderstood: hearing the voice of God.
He talked us through how to recognize God’s voice, the different ways He speaks, and maybe most importantly—what to do once we hear Him.
God doesn’t limit Himself to one method or moment. He speaks in ways we can’t predict or count. He’s in and through everything, constantly looking for willing listeners to carry out His purposes.
Your Gifts Are Not an Accident
The spiritual giftings He’s placed inside each of us are no accident. He’s freely given us unique skills to impact the world around us. One gift I’ve honestly asked God not to give me is the gift of prophecy. It feels out there. Maybe even a little weird. It's always seemed like a heavy burden to hear or see things others don’t.
I’m not sure I have it, but today I realized something: God can move prophetically through any of us, right where we are. You don’t need a title or a spotlight—just a willingness to listen and respond.
What Does Scripture Say About Prophecy?
The gift of prophecy is a Spirit-empowered ability to communicate God’s truth or revelation often used to strengthen, encourage, warn, or guide others. It’s not always about predicting the future. More often, it’s about being a voice for God in the moment.
Here’s what Scripture says:
Acts 2:17–18:
“‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy...’”Romans 12:6:
"Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith..."1 Corinthians 12:4–11:
"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit... to another prophecy... All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills."
Prophecy is a gift. Some may walk in it more clearly or consistently, but all of us can hear God and be a vessel for His message.
A Simple Exercise to Hear God's Voice
One new method I learned today is surprisingly simple but deeply profound:
Close your eyes.
Take a deep breath.
In your mind—not out loud—say your first and last name.
Did you hear it? That inner voice, the one that spoke your name in silence? That’s the way in which you’re most likely to hear God’s voice. It’s that still, small voice inside.
Think back—have there been times when a thought came to you that felt more like a nudge than a noise? Times when the Holy Spirit may have been trying to get your attention, but you dismissed it as “just your own mind”?
I have.
Let’s Lean In
Today, let’s give God the space to move through our thoughts, our conversations, and our actions. If you feel a prompting, a prayer, or a word for someone—lean in.
Did someone pop into your mind randomly?
Send them a quick message. Let them know you’re thinking about and praying for them.
God is on the move.
Let’s be people who move with Him.
-Mark
