Answering the Call: My Journey to Hearing God's Voice
Growing up in a church that seldom spoke of the Holy Spirit's gifts beyond the first-century ecclesia left me with questions. While the faith of the people was sincere, I couldn't help but wonder why the God I read about in Scripture felt distant. Where was the power, "the same power that raised Jesus from the dead" that was supposed to be "living in me" (Ephesians 1:19-21)? I longed for a deeper connection with the Lord, and thankfully, He began to reveal Himself to me, a journey that continues to this day.
The Journey Begins with Prayer
My journey to hearing God's voice started with a heartfelt prayer, a yearning to truly know Him. Every morning, I would rise early, open my journal, and begin with the words, "My sheep know me and hear my voice; teach me to know you and hear your voice, Lord." I prayed this prayer consistently for around six months, never anticipating an audible response. The idea of hearing a voice from outside myself wasn't something I had ever considered, but that all changed one fateful afternoon in my car.
A Profound Revelation
As I prayed, contemplated, and listened to an audiobook, something extraordinary happened. Out of nowhere, I heard the words, "Ruth Ann, you need to adopt." The voice was unlike anything I had ever experienced—it was external, not from within. I can't say for certain whether someone sitting beside me would have heard it, but I knew it was clear and profound. Instantly, tears welled up in my eyes as I felt convicted deep in my soul. I had no doubt that it was the Lord speaking to me. Though I've never heard His voice in such a dramatic way again, that moment changed everything. I knew I had to obey. God was calling me into adoption.
A Transformative Experience
To understand the significance of this moment, you need to know that I'm not easily convicted, and I often struggle with wishy-washiness. This experience was unlike anything I had encountered before. It was as if something otherworldly had come over me, and I was finally learning to hear God's voice. Today, I can hear His gentle nudges in my spirit more often, guiding me on a journey filled with faith and obedience.
