Ten Ways That God “Speaks,” Part 1

The Lord uses ten notable methods to communicate with His people, and we are wise to learn them all.  We become increasingly mature as we “allow” God to speak on His terms, without demanding that He communicate in the ways we understand best.  Admittedly, some of His methods are dramatic, but seldom used, while others are quieter and used more frequently.  For example, it’s not often that we receive an angelic visitation, but Zacharias certainly did.  Let’s recall the prophetic words spoken to him by the mighty archangel Gabriel:

“Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
Luke 1:13-17

What powerful, majestic words!  Unfortunately, Zacharias questioned the veracity of the angel’s message, citing “facts” that would make this prophecy unlikely.  After all, didn’t the angel realize that he and his wife were really old?  Because of his skepticism, Zacharias became mute for several months. This dramatic story suggests that there are strong consequences for doubting a mighty archangel sent from the throne room of heaven.

Even when the Lord speaks in other, less remarkable ways, believers may respond with disbelief and sometimes with scorn.  You are not the Creator; don’t argue with Him.  To demonstrate your increasing maturity, let the Lord communicate with you on His terms and on His timing.

Don’t imitate Thomas.  Although he had walked with Jesus, this disciple doubted the reports of His resurrection.  Thomas arrogantly claimed that he would not believe that Jesus had risen from the dead until he personally saw the nail prints in His hands.  Jesus provided the evidence, but then challenged this immature attitude:

“Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
John 20:29

Please do not insist that God supply you with a miraculous healing when He simply wants to speak to you through your spouse about a healthier lifestyle.  If the Lord tries to communicate through a quiet, persuasive urging in your spirit, don’t require that He provide a precise Bible verse instead.

Detecting and trusting the Lord’s various means of spiritual communication demonstrates that your faith is growing.  “And without faith it is impossible to please Him…” (Hebrews 11:6).

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As we describe the ten ways the Lord speaks, ask yourself, by which of these methods does the Lord typically connect with you?  Would you like to sharpen your “listening” skills for any other approach?

1. Angelic Visitation

At times, the Lord communicates through His angelic host. Here are two examples:

• “But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.’” (Matthew 1:20-21)
• “About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, ‘Cornelius!’” (Acts 10:3)

2. Rhema words

The Lord also uses the Holy Spirit to speak straight into our spirit though “revelation.”  Here are several qualities which indicate that He is speaking a rhema word:

1. it’s short
2. it leaves you room to infer the biblical application
3. it’s timely
4. it’s poignant (deeply meaningful)
5. it’s irrefutable
6. it’s subtle
7. it’s spoken directly to your spirit during prayer, or even in unannounced moments
   • The Oxygen Covenant – “from now on, I want you to treat resources like oxygen”
   • The Crucifixion Requirement — “you came out of the grave to defend yourself.  Where I’m taking you, death is the standard.”
   • “I am your sole source of supply.”
   • “I hate that.” “Hate what?” “Being unjustly accused”. “Oh, like they did to me?”

3. A Logos word

As we build an inventory of Scripture in our memories, the Lord can draw on these passages to instruct us.  His Word has creative power.  It is incredibly useful for solving problems and providing direction. Additionally, as our faith grows, the potential impact of God’s word multiplies; we can influence others quickly and effectively .

When He was tempted by the devil after His lengthy fast, Jesus did not debate the enemy.  Rather, He responded with scripture.  “But He answered and said, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew4:4) Billy Graham famously said: “The human mind cannot withstand the sustained impact of the word of God.“

• “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,” (II Timothy 3:16)
• “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth:  it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.  (Isaiah 55:11)
• “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
• “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11)

4. Visions/Dreams:

At times, the Lord communicates through a dream, or a sudden vision of a strategic outcome.  These moments may be accompanied by a sense of great peace.

• In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head while on his bed. Then he wrote down the dream, telling the main facts.” (Daniel 7:1)
• “I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh . . . your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams.” (Acts 2:17)