Is That Really You God?

Is That Really You, God?— Learning to Hear and Trust God’s Voice, is a practical and inspiring guide designed to help readers recognize and respond to God's voice in their daily lives. Many believers find it challenging to discern whether what they sense is truly from God or just their own thoughts. Through relatable examples and biblical insights, this book explores the many ways God communicates with His people— Scripture, prayer, circumstances, other believers, the gentle whispers of the Holy Spirit, dreams, fasting and other unexpected ways.

Each chapter concludes with reflections, action steps, and scripture meditation, making this book a valuable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their spiritual walk and confidently trust in God's guidance.

EXCERPT FROM “IS THAT REALLY YOU GOD”

The Heart of a Communicating God

It’s easy to think of God as a distant, powerful being watching over the earth, only intervening in grand gestures. But throughout Scripture, we see a different image: God as a communicator, a loving Father deeply invested in His creation and His children. The Bible is filled with accounts of God speaking—not just to kings and prophets, but to ordinary people in everyday situations. The truth is, God speaks because He desires a relationship with us.

In John 10:27, Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” This verse illustrates two essential truths: first, that God is speaking, and second, that we as His followers can recognize His voice. Just as a shepherd knows his sheep intimately and the sheep recognize their shepherd’s voice, God knows each of us personally, and He desires that we recognize His voice among all the others.

God Speaks Because He Loves Us

Consider the relationship between a parent and a child. A loving parent naturally desires to communicate with their child—to guide them, comfort them, teach them, and share life with them. It’s not a one-way relationship but an ongoing exchange of love and understanding. In the same way, God longs to speak to us because He loves us.

Scripture shows us that God’s communication is rooted in His love and commitment to our well-being. Jeremiah 29:11-13 expresses this beautifully: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” God’s desire to communicate with us flows from His plans for our lives— plans for good, growth, and deeper relationship.

The Purpose of God’s Voice

God’s voice in our lives has a purpose beyond just giving us direction or information. It draws us into a deeper connection with Him. When God speaks, He doesn’t only provide answers; He provides Himself. He speaks to reveal His heart, His character, and His presence.

In the story of the prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 19, Elijah, weary and discouraged, flees to the wilderness, overwhelmed by fear and confusion. When God reveals Himself to Elijah, it’s not in the powerful wind, the earthquake, or the fire, but in a “still, small voice.” God’s whisper was not merely to give Elijah instructions, but to comfort him with the assurance of His presence and remind him that he was not alone.

This story shows us that God speaks not just to give instruction, but to comfort and encourage, to draw near in our moments of doubt and fear. His voice often comes in moments of stillness, inviting us to lean in and listen closely.

What We Look to God For

As we begin to learn to hear God’s voice, it’s essential to understand what we are listening for. Many of us look to God for direction—answers to questions like, “What should I do?” or “Where should I go?” While God does provide guidance, we should also be listening for His heart.

When we look to God, we are not just seeking answers but seeking a deeper relationship. God desires to reveal His love, His comfort, and His peace to us. He wants to help us navigate not just the big decisions but the daily moments of our lives. As the psalmist writes in Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” God’s voice is not only instructional but relational.

Trusting God with Our Struggles and Questions

A genuine relationship with God involves bringing our whole selves to Him—our joys, struggles, doubts, and questions. In Psalm 62:8, David encourages us, “Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” This openness isn’t a sign of weakness but an invitation to deepen our relationship with God. When we bring our worries, fears, longings, and even struggles into His presence, we create space for Him to speak and for His peace to fill our hearts. This includes bringing everything to God.

Nothing Too Big or Too Small

There is nothing too big or too small to bring before God. In Genesis 18:14, when the Lord promised Abraham that his wife Sarah would bear a son, Sarah laughed at the thought, doubting it was possible in her old age. In response, God asked, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” This powerful question was a reminder that no situation is beyond His power. God’s words reassured Abraham and Sarah that His promises transcend human limitations. Just as He was faithful to them, God invites us to trust Him with every aspect of our lives—whether large or small. Jesus reminds us of this intimate care, saying even the very hairs of our head are numbered (Matthew 10:30). This means no need is too insignificant to share with Him.

Personal Experience- A Box For Me

I recently experienced this in a small but unexpected way. I needed a medium-sized box to mail something but didn’t have one at home. Remembering my father’s words, “God always gives you what you need,” I offered a quick prayer, asking God to provide a box before I got to the UPS store, because I didn’t want to pay for one. Then I went about my errands, forgetting about the request. Later, as I stood in line at the UPS store, ready to buy a box, I heard the clerk pronounce very loudly and almost rudely to the customer in front of me, “No, sir, I cannot take your box—we have no use for it.” The man had a box he was trying to get rid of—one that happened to be the perfect size for my needs. I offered to take it, and he gladly agreed as he and I recognized this solved both of our problems. In that moment, I was reminded that God truly sees and cares about even the smallest things. This small provision encouraged me as my family and I are standing in faith, trusting God to resolve a much bigger challenge in our lives right now. This was God’s way of reassuring me that He sees everything and if He is willing to provide a box for me, then He can certainly handle what we are currently facing. This is one beautiful example of how God speaks to us through circumstances.

When God’s Voice Seems Silent

We’ll explore this topic more fully in Chapter Five, but for now, I’d like to briefly introduce it. For those who are seeking God’s voice amid significant challenges, it’s natural to crave clear direction or a definitive answer. But hearing from God isn’t always about receiving instant clarity or a guarantee of a favorable outcome. God’s purpose in speaking to us often extends beyond answering our immediate questions; He longs to impart peace and assurance in the midst of our trials.

For those facing intense circumstances or trials, where the future feels uncertain and overwhelming, God’s silence can be hard to bear. When we cry out to God and yet the answer is not immediately evident, it’s tempting to feel abandoned or ignored. But it’s crucial to remember that God’s silence does not equate to His absence or disinterest.

In Isaiah 30:18, it says, “Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore He exalts Himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him.” This verse is a reminder that God’s timing and His justice are perfect, even when we are waiting for answers. He may be working in ways we cannot see, preparing circumstances, and strengthening our faith.

In these moments, rather than focusing solely on seeking an outcome, we are invited to rest in God’s character—trusting that He is a God of justice and mercy. Psalm 37:5-6 encourages us, “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.” While waiting for His action, we can find peace in knowing He sees, He hears, and He will act in His perfect timing based on His character, track record and promises we find in His Word. During these difficult times, it’s essential we hang onto His Word and refuse to be moved by our difficult circumstances. As David said in Psalm 27:13, “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”

When God Speaks

When God speaks, it deserves our full attention. Just as the Lord instructed in Jeremiah 30:2, “Write down for yourself all the words I have spoken to you,” there is power in capturing His words on paper. Writing down what we sense God is saying helps us remember His guidance, His promises, and His encouragement. Journaling becomes a record of His faithfulness—a place to return when we need reassurance or feel distant from Him.

At the end of each chapter, you’ll find an invitation to pause, reflect, and journal your thoughts, capturing whatever you sense God is speaking to you. This doesn’t have to be complicated. If any verse you’ve read so far has touched your heart or spoken into your current situation, that is God speaking to you—write it down without over analyzing. God speaks to us all throughout our day, but we often miss it by overthinking or being too busy to recognize it.

Whenever you encounter His Word, remember that He is speaking directly to you, inviting you to experience Him personally. Writing down these moments not only deepens your understanding but also gives you a touchstone to revisit—a reminder of His voice and presence in your life, even in seasons when He may feel silent. Let this journey be one of discovery, reflection, and remembrance, capturing all that God reveals along the way.