DISCERNING GOD’S WILL

INTRODUCTION

• When journeying toward God’s will, we have learned how our actions and God’s intervention lead us in the right direction. 

• In our last session, let’s explore how we can get specific. How do we hear from God when pursuing His will for our lives?

ILLUSTRATION: Share a story about a time you had a hard time hearing someone.

• There was just too much noise, chaos, and distraction.

• We have all been in situations like this.

• Someone was trying to talk to you, but distractions blocked your understanding.

• The commotion got in the way of your conversation.

• It’s frustrating with your friends, but it’s devastating when it’s with God

SETTING UP THIS PASSAGE

• Let’s go back a couple of thousand years.

• In the Old Testament book of 1 Kings, we are introduced to an impressive prophet named Elijah, who was notorious for his direct connection to God.

• His devout faith sparked miracles, breakthroughs, and revival during a difficult time in Israel’s history.

• Zooming in, we see that the prophet found himself in the middle of an uproar. He was on the tail end of the biggest win in his ministry career.

• Ironically, it left him feeling lost and directionless.

• Are you familiar with a dance-off? Elijah found himself in a “worship-off*"* with the prophets of Baal.

• These pious devotees challenged God’s prophet to prove his authenticity.

• They asked Elijah to call fire from heaven to prove the legitimacy of Yahweh.

• After dozens of failed attempts from Baal’s followers, Elijah cleared his throat, whispered a prayer, and raised his hands as God sent a burst of fire from the sky. It consumed a soaking wet altar.

• In wonder, the prophets of Baal bowed down before the true God.

• An influential Baal-worshiper named Jezebel was furious over the embarrassing battle, so she sought to have Elijah assassinated.

• After his dramatic victory, he found himself on the run. He feared for his life, so he disappeared into the desolate darkness of the wilderness.

• Surrounded by wasteland, Elijah hunkered down to hide.

TRANSITION

• As you can imagine, Elijah was in desperate need. What did he need the most though?

• It wasn’t water or shelter or even a tent. He desperately needed to hear God’s voice, so he decided to listen for it.

• That brings us to a fascinating exchange between God and His prophet.

TRANSITION

• The prophet patiently plopped down onto a rock and waited for some sensational show from God.

• Imagine this with me. Popcorn in hand, he watched as a massive tornado tore through the hillside. God’s voice wasn’t there.

• After all the commotion died down, an earthquake shook the ground, but God wasn’t there either.

• If all that wasn’t wild enough, a ferocious fireball rolled through.

• God’s voice wasn’t in that either.

• Finally, after all the fanfare, a small whisper broke the silence. God’s presence was there. It was as clear as crystal in a sound no louder than a summer breeze. 

• This amazing account gives us three practical pointers for hearing the voice of God.

• Why is this important? Sometimes we find ourselves stuck like Elijah. Situations stunt our growth, and we feel trapped.

• What do we need in times like these? Direction from God.

• God’s direction shows us His objectives, which ultimately show His will for us.

• This passage proves that God’s direction often shows up at a low volume, so what do we do to ensure we hear it?

Turn Off the Noise

• Have you ever had a hard time feeling God’s presence?

• This passage shows that sometimes God shows up in a small whisper.

• We live in a noisy world. It’s loud out there.

• Sadly, this noise can make us deaf to God’s whisper.

• Elijah heard God in the silence. We should learn from that.

• The Hebrew word for “whisper” is demamah. It can be translated as“silence,” “stillness,” or “calmness.”

• God speaks in stillness, so what are you doing to experience stillness and silence in your daily life?

• We cannot expect to hear from God when our surroundings scream for attention. So what do we need to do?

• Turn down the noise.

• Turn off your phone.

• Take some time to be quiet.

• Be intentional about your quiet time with God.

• It’s hard to hear a whisper when everything around you seems to be screaming.

Tune In to God’s Voice

• It’s not a matter of His distance; it’s a matter of our attention. God’s whisper maybe gentle, but it’s also powerful.

• There are hundreds of ways to communicate with someone.

• There are emails, letters, texts, and carrier pigeons.

• Those are all great, but there is no more intimate form of communication than whispering.

• You have to lean in.

• You have to be close.

• You have to directly position your ear to the sound of the subtle whisper.

• Hearing God’s voice requires attention and intimacy.

• We have to lean into a whisper, and that’s exactly how God designed it. God’s goal is always deeper intimacy with Him.

• Hearing His voice is just an added benefit. That's why He speaks in whispers.

• He wants you to prioritize His presence over all other distractions.

• Hearing God’s voice changes our direction. That’s why I deeply desire for you to tune into His whisper.

• Hearing God’s whispers allows us to discover our purpose, walk in His will, and burst through divine doorways.

• It all starts when you...stop.

• Stop filling your life with noise.

• Turn down the volume and tune into God.

• You will hear from Him.

• It may not be loud; it’ll likely be quiet.

• God's voice sounds way more like a whisper in the back of your head than a booming decree from heaven.

• His voice won’t always be crystal clear. That’s okay.

• You don’t always need a clear voice, especially when there are so many clear verses.

• This brings us to our final challenge of the series.

Turn to a Page in Scripture

• Please don’t overcomplicate God’s voice. It’s not a mystic puzzle or a supernatural maze.

• God’s primary message for you has already been revealed. Let me explain.

• When God appeared to Elijah, the Bible explains that, “the Word of the Lord came to him” (1 Kings 19:9).

• That’s what Elijah needed, and it’s what we need too.

• Fortunately for us, we have a library of God’s voice at our fingertips.

• We have the Bible, a blessing Elijah didn’t have, and it’s packed full of powerful words from God.

• Do you want to hear God’s voice? Look for a verse.

• The simplest strategy for hearing from God is getting into His Word.

• It radically changes how we think and the way we live. When you turn down the noise and tune into God, the Bible shines like headlights on a dark back road.

• The Holy Spirit will bring the Word to light, illuminating your path forward.

LANDING

• There is paramount power in the Word of God.

• Turn to a page in your Bible and start reading.

• Direction will rise to the surface. Clarity will come. God’s voice will be heard.

• God’s Word is the window to God’s will.

• We must filter everything through the message of Scripture.

TALK IT OUT 

Go through these questions with your circle. Be honest. Be open. Talk through the tough stuff.

**Ice Breaker: **Go around your circle and share this week’s highs and lows. What was the best part of your week, and what was the lowest part of your week?

Q1: What’s one thing that stood out to you from today’s message?

Q2: What is the most chaotic thing you’ve ever experienced? How did that make you feel?

Q3: What are some common distractions that people face in life?

Q4: What advice would you give to someone having difficulty slowing down and being still?

Q5: What can you do to be more intentional about your time with God this week?

**Application: **Get quiet this week. Find uninterrupted time to turn off your phone, turn off the noise, and listen for God’s voice. Simultaneously read His word because His voice is contained in every verse of the Bible.

READ THESE PASSAGES IN ORDER EVERY DAY

Psalm 118:6-7

Psalm 91:1-16 1

Samuel 3:7-10

Psalm 32:1-7 

Philippians 1:6 

Colossians 1:10

Luke 12:22-26

Do the following with each passage:

ASK– God to connect with you here. In prayer, start by slowing down and inviting God to be present. Begin with focus and openness to see what God has for you today.

READ– the selected section of Scripture slowly. Take note of the words and phrases that intrigue you, reading them a second time if necessary.

REFLECT– on what grabs you. How does this passage personally relate to your own life and experiences?

RESPOND– to the Scripture. Speak directly to God about what’s on your mind and heart. Look for waysto live out what you’ve uncovered