A Divine Awakening
Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. 1 Corinthians 2:12, ESV
God has so many ways of speaking to us, and it is rarely on our terms. I was awakened around 2:00 a.m., maybe a little earlier. The previous evening, my husband, son, and I had gone out to dinner to celebrate our son’s birthday. We got home late and went straight to bed. I was exhausted and ready for a good night’s sleep.
When the Holy Spirit woke me up, I was quite surprised to find myself fully alert. I had energy and didn’t feel sleepy at all. As I sat in my room to pray, I sensed that God had something He wanted to say—some instructions He wanted to give me. My husband and son were in a deep sleep, which confirmed that this moment was meant just for me.
I share this experience because when God speaks directly to you, He often moves you into a place where it’s just you and Him. Sometimes, you might rather be doing something else, or because of busyness, you might even ignore His call. But God’s timing is not our timing. He often chooses moments that pull us out of our comfort zone. I believe these are times of testing—moments when we must be ready to respond with a “yes” to Him.
When God first spoke to Abraham, He spoke to his spirit, saying, “Go from your country, your people, and your father’s household to the land I will show you.” Abram had no idea where God was sending him, but he listened and obeyed the voice of God. Although Scripture never mentions Abram hearing from God before that moment, he knew deep within that it was God speaking.
God spoke to Joseph through dreams, revealing what was to come in his future. He sent the prophet Samuel to Jesse’s house to anoint David as king. He met Moses while he was tending sheep. He sent the angel Gabriel to Mary to tell her about her future. And Jesus Himself met the woman at the well.
God’s messages rarely come when or how we expect them. He might drop a word into our spirit or send someone to speak a word that resonates deeply within us. I remember a dear sister who was planning to resign from her job. That Sunday morning, she went to church, and when the pastor stood to preach, he said, “God says someone is planning to resign from their job, and He says—not yet.” She knew immediately that God was speaking directly to her.
Scripture says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” — John 10:27 (KJV)
I didn’t hear an audible voice saying, “Get up at 2:00 a.m.,” but there was an awakening in my spirit, and I knew it was Him. When God calls you, He will make sure you know it’s His voice—but it’s up to you to surrender and obey.
Reflection
Are you listening and responding to God’s voice?
Key Takeaways
God’s voice may be quiet, but it speaks loudly in our spirit.
God’s goal is not to make us comfortable but to challenge and grow us.
God’s messages often take us out of our comfort zone to bring us closer to His purpose.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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