One of the most incredible things I discovered when I became a believer was that God speaks. I’ll never forget that moment — it was June 1985 in Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. I had a supernatural encounter with Jesus that led to my salvation and a call into full-time ministry. I was completely floored that Jesus would speak to me so clearly and with such purpose.
As a brand-new believer with very little Bible knowledge, I honestly thought God spoke like that all the time. But as I continued walking with Him and feeding on His Word, I realized those kinds of encounters aren’t everyday events. They’re not the norm — but that doesn’t mean God isn’t speaking.
In John 10:27, Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” That promise is for every believer. So the real question becomes: How does God speak to us today?
Over the years, I’ve discovered there are three primary ways God leads and speaks to His people. These are foundational, and everything else flows from them.
1. The Word of God
God’s written Word — the Bible — is the first and most reliable way He speaks to us. Whenever we’re seeking direction, our first question should be: “What does the Bible say about this?”
The Holy Spirit is like a river, and every river flows between two banks. For us, those banks are:
· The Word of God, and
· Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God.
The Holy Spirit will never say or do anything that contradicts the Scriptures or points us away from Jesus. In fact, His first assignment is to guide us into all truth — and truth is the Word (John 17:17).
“But as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie… ye shall abide in him.” — 1 John 2:27 “Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth…” — John 16:13
That’s why when you’re seeking to hear God, remember this: “Thus saith the Lord” will never override “It is written.” The Word is our foundation.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” — Psalm 119:105
2. Peace (The Inward Witness)
The second way God speaks to us is through peace. Peace is part of the inward witness — the Holy Spirit’s way of confirming what’s right.
When you’re faced with a decision, ask yourself two things:
· What does the Bible say?
· Do I have peace about this?
Peace is like your spiritual check engine light. When you lose peace, don’t ignore it. Stop. Seek God. Find out why. Peace is God’s way of guiding you and protecting you.
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:7 “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts…” — Colossians 3:15
The word “rule” here literally means to act as umpire. Peace will call it safe or out. Never make big decisions without peace.
3. Desire (God-Given Passion)
The third way God speaks to us is through desire or passion. Just like peace, passion is part of the inward witness — and it can help confirm God’s will.
“Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” — Psalm 37:4
When you’re truly delighting yourself in God — spending time in His presence, in His Word, worshipping Him — you can trust that the desires that begin to rise in your heart are from Him.
It’s like being clay on the potter’s wheel. As we yield to Him, He molds us by reshaping our desires. And when that God-given passion begins to burn in your heart, follow it. Passion isn’t random — it’s divine direction.
“It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” — Philippians 2:13
And here’s something important: if the passion for something you once had starts to fade, that might be a signal. Take time to seek the Lord. It could be that your season is shifting.
A Simple Framework
While God may speak in other ways — dreams, prophetic words, visions, etc. — these three are the foundation. Every other way will always line up with:
1. The Word
2. Peace
3. Passion
Romans 14:17–18 gives us a beautiful snapshot of this:
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.”
· Righteousness = The Word
· Peace = The inward witness
· Joy = Passion
And finally, let’s remember what God says in Isaiah:
“I have not spoken in secret… I the Lord speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.” — Isaiah 45:19
God is not hiding. He wants to speak to you — and He is speaking. The more we grow in these three areas, the more confident we become in recognizing His voice.
May we learn the simplicity of God’s voice — and follow it wholeheartedly.
