Can You Speak Up A Little God?

Have you ever wished that God would speak to you in an audible voice?

The Bible says that God spoke to the Israelites from Mt. Sinai and His voice was so scary they begged Moses to go on their behalf because they didn't want God talking to them that way (Ex.20:18-21).

REALLY? Maybe it's just me, but I would actually appreciate being able to hear Him where there's no mistaking what He says.

I've tried asking for "fleeces" - you know, the Gideon thing where you put God to the test by asking Him to confirm things because you're just not sure you've heard Him right. I've joked saying "God, could you just write it in the sky, that's not too much to ask, is it?"

The thing is, I DO hear from God all the time. For other people... and for myself when it comes to matters of the heart (correction, discipline, how much He loves me, what He'd like to do in and through me, etc.)

But when it comes to practical instruction and guidance in some very specific areas where I need direction, I can't seem to hear His voice! I believe the problem lies in my inability in these situations to separate my desires from His will. I'm asking God for clarity.

So here's the big question - and I'm seriously asking for your thoughts.

When you can't decipher God's will in a matter, and you need to make some decisions...do you wait and do nothing unless you hear clearly?

Or do you move ahead and pray that God will shut the door if it isn't His will?

By the way, these are NOT life or death decisions I'm talking about here. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that if I were to do any of these things, I would not be in sin, or have ruined my destiny with God, etc. I know that His will for my life is not that narrow, or that He would say "oh, you stepped off the path of my perfect plans for you, so now you've blown it!" I understand His grace to bring me to the place where He wants me to be, both spiritually speaking, and in the natural as well. I would just really love to get it right in the first place, and not come by that way through hind sight.

I don't know if any of this is making sense, but I appreciate having a place to "vent" as I work through this.

Anyway, I pray God gives us ALL clarity throughout this coming year as we obey His voice, however He chooses to speak. Whether it be through a sermon, a revelation from God's Word, a book, a teaching tape, a Bible Study or class, a friend, a prophet, an audible voice, a dream, a vision, through a Heavenly messenger, or...that ever present, still small voice.

I'm just glad my Heavenly Father does communicate with me!