"And Samuel said, 'Speak, for your servant hears'" —1 Samuel 3:10.
Each of us needs to learn to discern God's voice on our own. Though books have been written on the subject, we cannot reduce listening to God's voice to a science or a class taught in school –it is way more than that. It is a part of an active and living relationship with Him.
At least two conclusions can be reached in regards to this subject: (1) God chooses to speak to whomever He sees fit, whenever He deems best, and (2) God speaks to His children as they submit to Him and learn to discern His voice. In both instances the Lord God is the One who chooses to communicate (or condescend with humanity through His own means). As humans we choose to speak to God, yet it is not up to us if God chooses to speak back to us every single time, nor should we be presumptuous as to tell Him when and where to speak.
Just as in human conversations where the receiver sometimes chooses to be silent or use non-verbal cues, God may also choose to abstain from speaking or answering our inquires, if He sees fit. After all, the old adage states that "Silence is golden," therefore we should not view this as a lack of communication on His part or an improper reply, but instead as part of the nature of our ongoing conversation. We should also—at these moments of "silence" or breaks in our conversation—remain open to non-verbal responses from above (i.e. God speaking through His written Word, His use of nature as a communication aid, and Him addressing us through other people: friends, pastors, or even strangers!).
Because of this, let our prayer be: "God speak to us when you choose —just don't stop speaking to us all together. Amen."
Your Friend,
Abner E. Aguilar
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