How to hear the voice of God

Last Friday, we were privileged at FGB to have Dr.Lee Soo Ann share with us. Based on the topic “How to hear the voice of God”, Dr.Lee shared important Scriptural principles as well as his personal experiences on how hearing God’s voice helped him and his family face various challenges.

In the bible, the term “Word” as translated from Greek actually comes in two forms – Logos or Rhema. Logos refers to the whole of God’s counsel, which is essentially the whole Bible. It is important for every Christian to know the Logos as a whole so that any time, a familiar verse or concept from the Bible can come to our attention at any given moment to help in a given situation. Dr.Lee shared here how his readings from the book of Proverbs in particular gave him the wisdom to deal with tough situations during his working life. At meetings, other department heads would sometimes accuse him or his department, but Dr Lee prudently did not defend himself or counterattack. Instead, he would seek out the department head after the meeting to sort out the matter. This peace-loving approach enabled him to gain respect among his peers, and also was a great testimony to others in an otherwise dog-eat-dog culture.

Rhema on the other hands, refers to the spoken Word of God, which is a specific, personal Word given by God to a person for a particular situation. In Romans 10:17 which says “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God”, the “Word” here is Rhema. Jesus Christ said in John 10:27 “My sheep hear my voice. And they follow Me”. It is so important for every Christian to learn to be attuned to the voice of our Lord.

Now, the way God speaks to us can come in many forms, but very often it comes through a particular verse in the Bible that jumps out at us, and is so relevant for our particular situation. That’s why it is so important for us to read the Bible regularly. In the late 80’s, a lump on the mid-thigh region appeared on Dr.Lee’s thigh and started to grow bigger and bigger. Having a wife with two young kids at that time, Dr.Lee feared for his life but God spoke to him through Psalm 50:15 which greatly comforted him “Call upon me in the day of trouble. I will deliver you and you shall glorify Me”. Later, by God’s mercy, the lump was removed surgically and proved to be non-cancerous.  

In 1984, Dr.Lee’s elder brother had a medical condition known as NPC which required treatment by radiation and in 1991, a small cancerous lump appeared below his chin. The doctor recommended chemotherapy which was devastating especially in those days, and warned him that death could follow soon. The whole family group gathered together to pray and the Lord gave them Psalm 66:12 We went through fire and through water but You brought us out to rich fulfillment. Water here was the chemotherapy, and confirmation that he should go through with the chemo. The elder Lee thus proceeded to go for the chemo, and lived on for another 6 years (13 years in total from the initial diagnosis).

The great preacher Derek Prince also once shared how as a young Christian, he was stricken with a skin disease that no doctor was able to cure. With nothing to do on the hospital bed, he proceeded to read the Bible through, and Proverbs 4:20-22 sprung out to him “My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.” He proceeded to take the verse to heart, deciding to read the Bible three times a day like taking medicine, really trying to study the Scriptures closely and listen to what God would teach him. And after some time, Derek Prince was healed completely as God’s Word came true, healing him as he read and studied the Word.

For major decisions, it is also good to seek the help of matured fellow brothers and sisters in looking to hear God’s voice and know His will. Many years ago, Dr. Lee was offered a

dream job involving overseas travel to Switzerland, which he had always wished for. Nevertheless, the submitted the offer to fellow church members to pray together about it. In the midst of this prayer, Proverbs 8:10-11 spoke to him “Receive my instruction, and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold”. Reluctantly, Dr.Lee took it as a warning from God not to take up this job.

In a short time, Dr.Lee found out why. Just a few weeks later, his 3 year old son’s actopic eczema flared up dramatically, and it took a few very tough months to care for him. Despite medication and diet restriction, everything seemed to be of no avail and it caused his heart pain to see his son’s broken skin leading to swelling of the lymph nodes. One night, after desperate prayer to God, Dr.Lee received comfort from God through Psalm 18:30 “As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.” Henceforth, his son recovered slowly over the 3 months. Looking back, Dr.Lee realized that it was absolutely essential that he had been around during that difficult period instead of being far away from his beloved family who so needed him during that time. God had known this was to happen in advance, and prevented Dr.Lee from making the wrong decision.

Quite often too, God may speak to us through a still, small voice, like when He spoke to Elijah in the cave when he was discouraged. Brother A.C Ho, a good friend of Dr.Lee was on mission trip overseas when he met a baby with pus on the head. He shared “I felt inside me that God was going to heal him. I just held the child’s hand and prayed and on the following night, the mother came to the evangelistic rally and I could see the baby’s head had totally healed.

Now, a good question many of us may ask is “How do I know it is God speaking to me?” This is where confirmation is very important. In general, whatever we think God tells us must be in line with the Logos, the general Word of God in the Bible. This also means we need to know our Bible well. God’s Rhema will also bring us peace in our heart when we decide to follow it. If we feel disturbed, it is a warning sign we need to pray more and perhaps seek further counsel and prayer from matured brothers and sisters we trust.

As we follow through on God’s Rhema, we will also know its genuineness if it leads to good things like bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit, good works, salvation, discipleship and unity in the church. When Ananias received a vision from God to go and minister to Saul of Tarsus, he was afraid because of the reports of the evil Saul had done to the Christians. Nevertheless, he obeyed God, and as a result, Saul was delivered and baptized, eventually changing his name to Paul, and becoming the great apostle to the Gentiles, from whom God used to give us much of the New Testament.

All of us who call on Christ are God’s sons and daughters, and it is a blessing and privilege to listen to our Abba Father. It is not God’s will for us to be directionless. His wisdom and compassionate advice is a great blessing to all of us, and it also has a multiplying effect, touching other lives.