Several points come to mind.
First, we can't say "God always acts in xyz way" because He interacts with and grows each of us individually in what ways are best for each of us.
Second we must be VERY VERY careful of what we "hear". Even if it tells us to do "good" things. The enemy isn't stupid but is very clever, and knows how to mix in enough truth to deceive us. It often happens that the enemy appears "as an angel of light" ... seeming to promote holiness ... long enough to get a person trusting him before turning the tables. Many have fallen into this trap. (And I don't mean Satan himself but many evil spirits are capable of this.)
Thirdly, and much more commonly is my guess, is that God DOES lead people gently at first, and clearly. But we must beware that there usually comes a time when we are to grow up a bit and not have such hand-holding. Knowing from God becomes less sure, our own voice steps in, the enemy often interferes at this stage, and we need to learn discernment. Depending on what God desires to teach us, this can be very difficult.
Bottom line is that we are best to be skeptical. When we become confident in our "hearing" is usually when we are most at risk. Anytime such things happen, we need to learn to be VERY careful. God won't blame us for that. But if we fall into a deadly trap (and it sometimes happens to seasoned Christians) ... it can be hard or even impossible to recover.
Best thing we can do is study to recognize even tiny deviations when/if they happen, and learn the tactics of the enemy. The biggest warning sign is anything that tempts us to the least spiritual pride, but there are other pitfalls as well.
You must have some or a lot of experience
That was a reason, i didn't want to listen God for a year or more. Loud music and non-stop tv series helped a lot, that i almost didn't hear Him (sarcasm and hint).
Then someone told me, that , when God is speaking, it always cheers up and give a peace.
It was first steps, to coming back to He's leading.
Even though i went trough many times of deceiving, i become more experienced, how to recognize , who is speaking.
But once i asked Father, are in the Bible some tips to recognize, who is talking and here is this, He gave me:
Psalm 19
7 The law of the Lord is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the Lord are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
and all of them are righteous.
yes, that is, what you
feel, when Father is speaking.
when speaks satan - on the first second, JUST A SECOND, you feel doubt, or like something has frightening you or yours heart 'squeezes' in fear.
many times, getting instructions, to get somewhere or to meet someone, i had to follow leading from Holy Spirit and only those feelings helped me out, to understand, who is talking.
years of leading...
meeting with people, who had no phone...
saying words, that changed some people forever just with few minutes - even i tried to reach them for YEARS and didn't get anywhere...
One of them are my son - he was changed just with few minutes and now, 6-7 years later, still remains in that 180 decrees of change - from boy, who loved evil to boy who only cares, how to do good now.
and only one did help - a few words from God - none of those people didnt ever listen me.
just in case anyone needs those few tips. i still need them - still check every word, i hear.