Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will not perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:27-28). Jesus is known as the Good Shepherd because He lays down His life for His sheep. Believers can hear Jesus, though His voice is foreign to those that don’t know Him. God opens the eyes of our hearts so that we can listen to Jesus. When we give our lives to Christ, we can hear His voice in a way we never have before. Are you ready to hear His voice? Here are six unique ways Jesus speaks to you.
Through God’s Word
Jesus speaks to you through God’s Word. Hebrews 1:1 says, “Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, He has spoken to us through His Son.” Jesus serves as God’s living Word. We can rest assured that God will not say anything that goes against what He says to us in the Bible, His written Word. If you’re ever struggling to hear Jesus’ voice, read the Bible. Keep reading, and you will eventually come across a passage or statement that will open your way of understanding. As Christians, we are called to read Scripture. If you don’t follow the instruction God offers through His Word, you won’t have a clear voice to guide you through life.
In Your Emptiness
If you are feeling a sense of emptiness, you’re not alone. Usually, emptiness is an indicator that something is missing from your life. At some stage of your faith journey, you will likely have feelings of spiritual emptiness. This may be a sign that Jesus is trying to speak to you, though you may not be able to hear His voice. Some of the things that can cause feelings of emptiness to include loneliness and sin. How we feel physically can also play a role in how we think spiritually. It’s important to remember that Jesus is close to those who are empty. Jesus says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29). Reach out to Jesus through mediation and prayer. Tell Him what you’re seeking. Trust in Him, and He will reveal it to you.
Through Your Calling
Sometimes Jesus will lead you to a place you weren’t expecting to be. You may feel a profound sense of calling, or it may show up unexpectedly. The Bible says, “Now you belong to Him…in order that you might be useful in service to God.” One of the greatest ways Jesus displays His voice is through our acts and gifts to others. When we choose a life of faith, we are called to help others. If you begin to feel an underlying urge to give back to your fellow man, Jesus may be telling you to take up your cross. When you use your God-given gifts to help others, you are answering your calling.
Through a Relationship
Sometimes, Jesus speaks to us through our relationships. Therefore, we should listen to what our loved ones have to say to us, especially those who are followers of Christ. If you have fallen off course with God, they will try to bring you back. They will put you in situations where you feel more connected to Jesus and will encourage you to grow in your faith. These special people are positioned in your life by Jesus so that you can see your full potential. God may be sending you a critical message through them. Those who are trying to get in the way of your relationship with Jesus aren’t the kind of people you should be around.
In Your Passion
There are times when Jesus will speak to you in ways that you never imagined. He may be talking to you through your gifts and passions. Jesus may be trying to speak to you to improve your calling. Mark 10:45 says, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” Our passion should reflect our love for Christ. If our passions don’t reflect our passion and you feel like something is missing in your life, Jesus may be trying to reach you. Sometimes Jesus’ voice may not be revealed to you yet, but our passions can help us discover what He is saying.
Through Renewed Faith
A sudden sense of calling to go to church and listen to the Gospel is a sign that Jesus is speaking to you. If you haven’t been to church in some time, Jesus may be trying to reach you. He may begin to talk to you through a song or message delivered at church. If something from the service unexpectedly grabs you, it is a sign that Jesus is talking directly to you. Allow the Holy Spirit to do His work and speak to you through that message. Also, be open to embracing whatever that message is that you need to hear right now.
We all want to be able to hear Jesus’ voice, but sometimes our fear and anxiety will keep us from hearing the important message He is trying to give us. Take time to try to figure out your spiritual calling and open your heart to what Jesus is trying to tell you. It may be life changing.