Why does God speak to some more than others?

Macchiato · Aug 29, 2021

I. Feel like an outsider when it comes to God. I dont feel or hesr God much even when I read or pray or fast.

I know it isnt supposed to be like this but idk what else to do.

I want to hear God. Be led by his spirit but God seems so elusive yet reveals Himself for some others. Im starting to think perhaps its a gift Im trying to force. A gift I don't have bc Im doing everhthing to seek God idk.

Just getting disheartened. Help.

Pavel Mosko · Aug 29, 2021

Lots of people have that. I sort of have it but in a less dramatic way, but I also tend to believe that God is always speaking aka communicating even when you aren't having heavenly voices, angels sent to you etc. Basically he speaks through other people, the Bible, your circumstances etc. but the process or understanding what he is saying takes some work. A year or more ago I ran across an interesting Jewish article that I think fits.

"The fourth book of the Bible is known in English as the Book of Numbers – because it begins with a command to count the Israelites, to take a census, to establish their numbers. However in Hebrew it is known by the key word of its first sentence, Bemidbar, “In the wilderness.” It is also always read on the Shabbat before Shavuot, the festival of the giving of the Torah. Is there any significance to these facts? Are they related? Is there a connection between wilderness, revelation and numbers? And is there a reason Jewish tradition preferred to call the book ‘Wilderness’ rather than ‘Numbers’?

The Hebrew word midbar, wilderness, has the same root as the word dabar/davar, meaning “word” or “thing.” It has the same letters as medabber, “speaking.” It is in the wilderness that the Israelites hear revelation, the word or speaking of G-d."

Bemidbar (5768) - The Wilderness and the Word - Rabbi Sacks

EpicScore · Aug 29, 2021

There are two possible answers: either God is choosing to remain silent in your life for the time being for some reason, or that you're not hearing Him speak.

For the first one, we have to acknowledge that God have different plans/calls for His children, and He doesn't reveal Himself to all Christians equally. In Jesus's circle, for instance, He reveals more to Himself to the 12 apostles than to his 500+ disciples, then more to the "Big three" of Peter, James and John, and especially to John. Just like in the Parable of the Talents, we shouldn't envy those who seem to be given more, but persevere to be faithful and diligent in doing His will based on what He's given us. At the same time, we also have to be careful with people's claims of receiving God's direct revelation, especially if they are esoteric in nature (i.e. from dreams, signs and hearing voices rather than from the scriptures). These may not actually be "revelations" from God at all.

For the second, it is an unfortunate symptom of modernity that we tend to saturate our minds with all sorts of noise (e.g. social media, music, ads, TV serials, films, gossip, etc.) that we find it really difficult to "be still and know that you are God." A Bible Study teacher of mine once said, "if you are constantly snacking on junk food, you won't be able to eat the good food that is the Word" -- and even if you try to force yourself to eat it, you won't enjoy it and might even feel sick.

And, as I mention before, communication with God is a spiritual exercise that requires discipline. Someone who has built a habit of regular prayer, Bible reading and study over the years will be able to gain more insights during their meditation than someone who's just starting to get into the practice. Don't lose heart just because you can't achieve good results yet, and never underestimate small beginnings. God will not condemn tiny baby steps. He will not appreciate you stopping because you find the road too difficult though.

Aussie Pete · Aug 29, 2021

Macchiato said:
I. Feel like an outsider when it comes to God. I dont feel or hesr God much even when I read or pray or fast.

I know it isnt supposed to be like this but idk what else to do.

I want to hear God. Be led by his spirit but God seems so elusive yet reveals Himself for some others. Im starting to think perhaps its a gift Im trying to force. A gift I don't have bc Im doing everhthing to seek God idk.

Just getting disheartened. Help.

It can be a tough road. I'm 70, been saved 50 years, and facing dilemmas that are impossible for me to resolve. One thing keeps me from despair. I know that God loves me and wants the best for me.

I've heard from God many times. It sounds a lot until I divide it by the number of years I've been saved. There seems to be no pattern. One time I was about to do something way beyond stupid. God spoke to me then and I changed course. Other times I've had questions and I wanted answers. I had to keep on asking until the answer came.

Hearing from God is not a gift. We are in a relationship with Him. There are reasons for everything. All will be revealed.

Just some suggestions. Make sure that you are clean spiritually. That means no unconfessed sin. Remember that Lord Jesus alone is your righteousness. You need to come to God hiding yourself in Christ. Just bowling up to God's throne will not do it.
Be persistent. Sometimes God checks us out to see if we mean business. He knows, but we need to know ourselves also.
Ask God about everything, even what seems trivial. I pray for parking spots. I thank Him when I get one.
There are times when God will not answer you, for your own good. I would not let a 5 year old drive my car, no matter how much he pleaded with me.
We need to experience some separation of soul and spirit. What does that mean, I hear you say. The spirit is the real "you". It's where God lives and where He speaks. The soul consists of mind, emotion and will. We are so used to thinking, feeling and choosing independently that the voice of God is drowned out. "Be still and know....." says God.

A friend and mentor gave me this advice. He told me to sit down early in the morning and write out my prayers. It is highly effective because it stops your mind wandering. It was near impossible at first. I felt a complete goose. What do I say? Does God not know my thoughts anyway? But I persisted because my friend was the most spiritual person I'd ever met. He was saved about the same time I was, but he was far more advanced. He'd been writing out his prayers for 15 years.

Remind God of His promises. "Seek and keep on seeking and you will find, knock and keep on knocking and you will get an answer".

Not everyone wants to hear from God, so I commend you for your desire. I'll never forget the first time that I heard from God. It took a while, but it was worth the wait.

NBB · Aug 29, 2021

Read about being filled with the Holy spirit, like the apostles and believers in the bible,
Something is going to happen and you will get closer to God for sure.
This is often overlooked by so many people, and its very important.

-> You may need to get involved with people that believe in this.

bèlla · Aug 29, 2021

There's nothing wrong with you.

Sometimes people hear from God more than others due to their spiritual gifts or calling. When I returned to faith He did three things to let me know I was hearing from Him. He brought an older woman in my life who was intercessor and teacher. We used to pray together once a week. Sometimes He'd give me a verse or word that she knew was for her. But I wouldn't know it. We were barely acquainted.

He put me beside two women in ministry who frequently commented on my anointing. I couldn't see it but they did. They reassured me in those early days.

Then He sent me to the monastery. I believed I heard from Him. We were given a lesson on lectio divina. I was doing it all along as was my prayer partner, but we didn't call it that. Sister gave us a text and told us to sit quietly and see what the Holy Spirit said.

I started writing. That's what I did at home. I was copying what I heard and included the references He provided. When time was up she asked us to share our insight. I was sitting beside the novitiate director and glancing at Sister (the director of vocations). I never forgot the look in her eyes as she moved in the rocking chair and fixed her gaze upon me.

The novitiate director commented on my response and was very pleased. Sister nodded in agreement and asked was I teaching. I told her no and she said I should. That was August. A month later I was.

I'd like to share a snippet from an email I received from Sister a year later. We kept in touch. I hope it demonstrates His ability to convey 'I see you and you aren't forgotten'. Even when it feels that way. I wanted to stay but it wasn't my mission. It hurt me to leave because they were so loving. I have never experienced the same in a Christian setting and doubt I ever will. It brings me to tears to this day.

Note: The 'he' she refers to is someone I ministered to.

I can see that the Dear Lord is moving in your life ~ maybe even moving mountains when you least expected it. But faith like that comes from an already deep relationship with the Beloved which is evident that you have been gifted with. I am very happy that you have come to realize at least in part what God wants of you.

When one has their heart set on a religious vocation and then in prayer and discernment are brought to realize that maybe God is leading them in another direction mixed feelings can arise. It appears as though you are responding as a true disciple of Jesus would ~ with openness, generosity of spirit and above all a love that is uncluttered.

I can hear that he is dear to you and I am not so sure that the way you have 'chosen' is any easier as no life is without sacrifice and hardship especially when one continues to listen and follow where God is leading them. I do not need to tell you how important it is to cling ever so tightly to the very Heart of Jesus especially where the devil seems to be tracking our every move. Never be without the name of Jesus on your lips and in your heart and Satan wouldn't dare come near you.

I do not believe for a single instant my precious friend that your coming here was nothing short of being arranged by God Himself. You impressed us all more than you will ever know and the humility you have shown forth without even realizing it ~ which is the exact way that humility is manifested ~ is a lesson for each of us.

You are meant to do great things for Jesus in this sorry, sick world of ours. He needs obedient, compassionate and docile souls more than ever these days who will do His bidding without a moment's hesitation and without compromise for one's own good. You are one of these unique and precious people for Him, dear heart and how fortunate you are.

And as I also mentioned above, I believe with everything in me that you were meant to come here and that we were meant to become friends in His name and that our friendship which is pure gift from His Heart is meant to endure til time is lived into Eternity. Therefore, we will meet again, at His bidding and in His good time and then we will celebrate all that He had done and is doing in each of our lives.

She was right. I returned and our fellowship was wonderful. This was a precious blessing to recount. Thank you for allowing me to share.

PS. I'm not catholic. I was willing to walk that path if God desired.

~bella

anna ~ grace · Aug 29, 2021

Macchiato said:
I. Feel like an outsider when it comes to God. I dont feel or hesr God much even when I read or pray or fast.

I know it isnt supposed to be like this but idk what else to do.

I want to hear God. Be led by his spirit but God seems so elusive yet reveals Himself for some others. Im starting to think perhaps its a gift Im trying to force. A gift I don't have bc Im doing everhthing to seek God idk.

Just getting disheartened. Help.

I’ve got to tell you… those Christians who go on and on and on about God, who make it sound like He sits down with them at breakfast every single morning, and who vocally seem to be really, really devout in public have turned out to be some of the most horrible people I have ever met, once I got to understand what they were like in private.

Mother Teresa went through a decades-long period of intense, painful, totally black-out level of feeling far from God. She kept going, and now she’s a Saint. So long as you’re not living in a state of sin, and you’re doing the best you can, holding on, being faithful, and trusting Him, you’re doing alright. Hang in there, kid.

Marumorose · Aug 29, 2021

Macchiato said:
I. Feel like an outsider when it comes to God. I dont feel or hesr God much even when I read or pray or fast.

I know it isnt supposed to be like this but idk what else to do.

I want to hear God. Be led by his spirit but God seems so elusive yet reveals Himself for some others. Im starting to think perhaps its a gift Im trying to force. A gift I don't have bc Im doing everhthing to seek God idk.

Just getting disheartened. Help.

May God bless you. We all hear God at our own time. Remember what Jesus Christ said in Matthew 24:42 & 44 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." He will come to You. Just be patient.

Jesus is my Superhero · Aug 29, 2021

Often it's on looking back that you notice the hand of God at work in your life. Or reading a certain verse for the upteenth time and noticing something you never read before, and it pertains to your life right now.

Also, believing that you made a decision to do something and years later knowing it was God leading you down the path you chose, because you just know that you wouldn't have never made such a wise decision on your own.

Macchiato · Aug 29, 2021

bèlla said:
There's nothing wrong with you.

Sometimes people hear from God more than others due to their spiritual gifts or calling. When I returned to faith He did three things to let me know I was hearing from Him. He brought an older woman in my life who was intercessor and teacher. We used to pray together once a week. Sometimes He'd give me a verse or word that she knew was for her. But I wouldn't know it. We were barely acquainted.

He put me beside two women in ministry who frequently commented on my anointing. I couldn't see it but they did. They reassured me in those early days.

Then He sent me to the monastery. I believed I heard from Him. We were given a lesson on lectio divina. I was doing it all along as was my prayer partner, but we didn't call it that. Sister gave us a text and told us to sit quietly and see what the Holy Spirit said.

I started writing. That's what I did at home. I was copying what I heard and included the references He provided. When time was up she asked us to share our insight. I was sitting beside the novitiate director and glancing at Sister (the director of vocations). I never forgot the look in her eyes as she moved in the rocking chair and fixed her gaze upon me.

The novitiate director commented on my response and was very pleased. Sister nodded in agreement and asked was I teaching. I told her no and she said I should. That was August. A month later I was.

I'd like to share a snippet from an email I received from Sister a year later. We kept in touch. I hope it demonstrates His ability to convey 'I see you and you aren't forgotten'. Even when it feels that way. I wanted to stay but it wasn't my mission. It hurt me to leave because they were so loving. I have never experienced the same in a Christian setting and doubt I ever will. It brings me to tears to this day.

Note: The 'he' she refers to is someone I ministered to.

I can see that the Dear Lord is moving in your life ~ maybe even moving mountains when you least expected it. But faith like that comes from an already deep relationship with the Beloved which is evident that you have been gifted with. I am very happy that you have come to realize at least in part what God wants of you.

When one has their heart set on a religious vocation and then in prayer and discernment are brought to realize that maybe God is leading them in another direction mixed feelings can arise. It appears as though you are responding as a true disciple of Jesus would ~ with openness, generosity of spirit and above all a love that is uncluttered.

I can hear that he is dear to you and I am not so sure that the way you have 'chosen' is any easier as no life is without sacrifice and hardship especially when one continues to listen and follow where God is leading them. I do not need to tell you how important it is to cling ever so tightly to the very Heart of Jesus especially where the devil seems to be tracking our every move. Never be without the name of Jesus on your lips and in your heart and Satan wouldn't dare come near you.

I do not believe for a single instant my precious friend that your coming here was nothing short of being arranged by God Himself. You impressed us all more than you will ever know and the humility you have shown forth without even realizing it ~ which is the exact way that humility is manifested ~ is a lesson for each of us.

You are meant to do great things for Jesus in this sorry, sick world of ours. He needs obedient, compassionate and docile souls more than ever these days who will do His bidding without a moment's hesitation and without compromise for one's own good. You are one of these unique and precious people for Him, dear heart and how fortunate you are.

And as I also mentioned above, I believe with everything in me that you were meant to come here and that we were meant to become friends in His name and that our friendship which is pure gift from His Heart is meant to endure til time is lived into Eternity. Therefore, we will meet again, at His bidding and in His good time and then we will celebrate all that He had done and is doing in each of our lives.

She was right. I returned and our fellowship was wonderful. This was a precious blessing to recount. Thank you for allowing me to share.

PS. I'm not catholic. I was willing to walk that path if God desired.

~bella

I agree with that first part. I guess it really does depend on your calling or gift and no amount of fasting would probably change that for me.

Macchiato · Aug 29, 2021

anna ~ grace said:
I’ve got to tell you… those Christians who go on and on and on about God, who make it sound like He sits down with them at breakfast every single morning, and who vocally seem to be really, really devout in public have turned out to be some of the most horrible people I have ever met, once I got to understand what they were like in private.

Mother Teresa went through a decades-long period of intense, painful, totally black-out level of feeling far from God. She kept going, and now she’s a Saint. So long as you’re not living in a state of sin, and you’re doing the best you can, holding on, being faithful, and trusting Him, you’re doing alright. Hang in there, kid.

I agree with what you said about mother T. I just need to endure like her bc i do feel the way she does-- very far from Him.

bèlla · Aug 29, 2021

Macchiato said:
I agree with that first part. I guess it really does depend on your calling or gift and no amount of fasting would probably change that for me.

That would imply He doesn't want you to hear Him and I don't think that's the case.

anna ~ grace · Aug 29, 2021

Macchiato said:
I agree with what you said about mother T. I just need to endure like her bc i do feel the way she does-- very far from Him.

Keep going, dear. I’m going through a tough, dark patch right now, too. I hear you. Just be faithful. Christ only asks us to love Him back, be faithful, wait, love others, and do what He has asked us to do. Just spend time with Him in prayer.

I know a lot of Christians have an issue with this, but… buy yourself a tiny portrait of Christ. Place it somewhere you can see it, and just talk to our Lord. He doesn’t mind, He became visible for a reason. Be patient with Him, and with yourself. I think the biggest, most destructive delusion a Christian can fall into is that their life in Christ is going to be dramatic and awesome and miraculous and crazy-visible like the Apostle Paul. Not true. Most of us live quiet lives, never raise anyone from the dead or heal anyone through prayer, and we live and die and no one down here knows. But Heaven knows. God takes account of our lives in ways that would make no sense to the world.

This book rocks;

This book has helped me to understand that there is a purpose behind what seems to be darkness, littleness, meaninglessness, hiddenness, and even depression and the feelings of being totally alone and worthless. Mother Teresa was this powerhouse of love and sacrifice, yet she went through some unimaginably tough pain and darkness. Yet when even non-Christians are asked for an example of what they think a Christian should be, they point to her. She pushed courageously past her feelings and just kept going. She made it. Now she’s with Christ, because she loved Him and trusted Him even when she couldn’t feel Him. Or hear from Him. She did get hints here and there, but mostly, it was all dark. Hang in there, Macchi.

Jesus is my Superhero · Aug 29, 2021

I believe there are times Jesus leaves you alone for a length of time to see how you react. Do you allow the old self to resurface? Do you wander off spiritually? or do you plod onward trusting and believing the Word? Showing a sincerity in dividing and applying the Word of truth in your life. A test.

NBB · Aug 29, 2021

anna ~ grace said:
Keep going, dear. I’m going through a tough, dark patch right now, too. I hear you. Just be faithful. Christ only asks us to love Him back, be faithful, wait, love others, and do what He has asked us to do. Just spend time with Him in prayer.

I know a lot of Christians have an issue with this, but… buy yourself a tiny portrait of Christ. Place it somewhere you can see it, and just talk to our Lord. He doesn’t mind, He became visible for a reason. Be patient with Him, and with yourself. I think the biggest, most destructive delusion a Christian can fall into is that their life in Christ is going to be dramatic and awesome and miraculous and crazy-visible like the Apostle Paul. Not true. Most of us live quiet lives, never raise anyone from the dead or heal anyone through prayer, and we live and die and no one down here knows. But Heaven knows. God takes account of our lives in ways that would make no sense to the world.

This book rocks;

This book has helped me to understand that there is a purpose behind what seems to be darkness, littleness, meaninglessness, hiddenness, and even depression and the feelings of being totally alone and worthless. Mother Teresa was this powerhouse of love and sacrifice, yet she went through some unimaginably tough pain and darkness. Yet when even non-Christians are asked for an example of what they think a Christian should be, they point to her. She pushed courageously past her feelings and just kept going. She made it. Now she’s with Christ, because she loved Him and trusted Him even when she couldn’t feel Him. Or hear from Him. She did get hints here and there, but mostly, it was all dark. Hang in there, Macchi.

While i passed through very dark times, and i still pass, lets not forget that a christian should strive for:
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,

Macchiato · Aug 29, 2021

bèlla said:
That would imply He doesn't want you to hear Him and I don't think that's the case.

Idk to be honest. He doesnt say much with me

anna ~ grace said:
Keep going, dear. I’m going through a tough, dark patch right now, too. I hear you. Just be faithful. Christ only asks us to love Him back, be faithful, wait, love others, and do what He has asked us to do. Just spend time with Him in prayer.

I know a lot of Christians have an issue with this, but… buy yourself a tiny portrait of Christ. Place it somewhere you can see it, and just talk to our Lord. He doesn’t mind, He became visible for a reason. Be patient with Him, and with yourself. I think the biggest, most destructive delusion a Christian can fall into is that their life in Christ is going to be dramatic and awesome and miraculous and crazy-visible like the Apostle Paul. Not true. Most of us live quiet lives, never raise anyone from the dead or heal anyone through prayer, and we live and die and no one down here knows. But Heaven knows. God takes account of our lives in ways that would make no sense to the world.

This book rocks;

This book has helped me to understand that there is a purpose behind what seems to be darkness, littleness, meaninglessness, hiddenness, and even depression and the feelings of being totally alone and worthless. Mother Teresa was this powerhouse of love and sacrifice, yet she went through some unimaginably tough pain and darkness. Yet when even non-Christians are asked for an example of what they think a Christian should be, they point to her. She pushed courageously past her feelings and just kept going. She made it. Now she’s with Christ, because she loved Him and trusted Him even when she couldn’t feel Him. Or hear from Him. She did get hints here and there, but mostly, it was all dark. Hang in there, Macchi.

Right. I need to push past my feelings too.

Jesus is my Superhero said:
I believe there are times Jesus leaves you alone for a length of time to see how you react. Do you allow the old self to resurface? Do you wander off spiritually? or do you plod onward trusting and believing the Word? Showing a sincerity in dividing and applying the Word of truth in your life. A test.

youre absolutely right. I can see it being a test.

Macchiato · Aug 29, 2021

Thank u guys.

bèlla · Aug 29, 2021

Macchiato said:
Idk to be honest. He doesnt say much with me

Never and right now aren’t one in the same.

Mark Quayle · Aug 29, 2021

EpicScore said:
There are two possible answers: either God is choosing to remain silent in your life for the time being for some reason, or that you're not hearing Him speak.

For the first one, we have to acknowledge that God have different plans/calls for His children, and He doesn't reveal Himself to all Christians equally. In Jesus's circle, for instance, He reveals more to Himself to the 12 apostles than to his 500+ disciples, then more to the "Big three" of Peter, James and John, and especially to John. Just like in the Parable of the Talents, we shouldn't envy those who seem to be given more, but persevere to be faithful and diligent in doing His will based on what He's given us. At the same time, we also have to be careful with people's claims of receiving God's direct revelation, especially if they are esoteric in nature (i.e. from dreams, signs and hearing voices rather than from the scriptures). These may not actually be "revelations" from God at all.

For the second, it is an unfortunate symptom of modernity that we tend to saturate our minds with all sorts of noise (e.g. social media, music, ads, TV serials, films, gossip, etc.) that we find it really difficult to "be still and know that you are God." A Bible Study teacher of mine once said, "if you are constantly snacking on junk food, you won't be able to eat the good food that is the Word" -- and even if you try to force yourself to eat it, you won't enjoy it and might even feel sick.

And, as I mention before, communication with God is a spiritual exercise that requires discipline. Someone who has built a habit of regular prayer, Bible reading and study over the years will be able to gain more insights during their meditation than someone who's just starting to get into the practice. Don't lose heart just because you can't achieve good results yet, and never underestimate small beginnings. God will not condemn tiny baby steps. He will not appreciate you stopping because you find the road too difficult though.

One of the things that has characterized my growth in the Lord is finding out MY focus has changed bit by bit, to where whole reasons behind my thinking have changed. Strangely, however, I could describe my main concerns back decades ago by the same words I might use now. But my outlook —my thinking behind those things has changed. Back then, my sin was killing me; in spite of my best intentions and desires for holiness and growth, (which went according to MY definitions for such) and with what I thought the Bible was talking about concerning what I was taught was 'Victorious Christian Living' and so many other things, my focus on Christ, way back then, by force of effort; now I find my eyes are looking at life from a different perspective, it is no longer I who live, but Christ living in me. My victories are not mine —in fact, I only notice them after they have already happened and I can only thank GOD for each little obedience. (My obediences are not gifts to God, but from him, and they are answered prayers, that I prayed decades ago.)

Life is no easier now, but my soul is satisfied in Christ. This life is about him, not me.

I guess I'm just saying, Hang in there. Keep talking to God, and you can fully expect his promises are true, but the answers aren't how you will expect. He's making something out of you, that you didn't know about.

Albion · Aug 30, 2021

Macchiato said:
I. Feel like an outsider when it comes to God. I dont feel or hesr God much even when I read or pray or fast.

I know it isnt supposed to be like this but idk what else to do.

I want to hear God. Be led by his spirit but God seems so elusive yet reveals Himself for some others. Im starting to think perhaps its a gift Im trying to force. A gift I don't have bc Im doing everhthing to seek God idk.

Just getting disheartened. Help.

It may be that you are comparing yourself to people who imagine that they literally hold conversations with God (and usually on a daily basis). You already have God's word in Scripture, and it was given to all mankind.

In your post (above), you say that you really want to "hear" God. Some people claim that they do...but that doesn't mean they actually do hear his voice. On the other hand, you also speak of Him revealing Himself. That is different; it's something less tangible, and it can come in a sudden realization. But in any case, this is not something that can be generated by you doing something in order to make it happen, and it is not something God does routinely.

Why does God speak to some more than others?

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