Get to Know the Voice of God
The sermon emphasizes the importance of getting to know the still, small voice of God, which speaks to our inner man daily and guides us in every move.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of recognizing and trusting the voice of God, especially during difficult times. He illustrates this through the prophet Isaiah's message to Israel, who, despite being in ruin, were encouraged to listen for God's guidance rather than relying on their own schemes or foreign powers. Wilkerson reminds us that God patiently waits for us to turn to Him, offering direction and mercy even in our darkest moments. He stresses that knowing God's voice is essential for navigating life's challenges, as it provides clarity and assurance amidst the chaos of competing voices in the world.
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God wants us to know that no matter how difficult things may get for us, he will sustain all who trust in him--by the power of his still, small voice, speaking to our inner man daily.
This is confirmed by the prophet Isaiah: "And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left" (Isaiah 30:21). You have to understand, Isaiah delivered this word to Israel in the very worst of times. The nation was under judgment, in absolute ruin, with everything breaking down. And so Isaiah told Israel's leaders, "Turn to the Lord now! He wants to give you a word of direction--to speak to you, saying, 'Go this way, go that way, here's the way...'" But they wouldn't listen. They decided they would turn to Egypt to deliver them! They thought they could rely on the Egyptians' chariots, horses and supplies to see them through.
Yet, God did not send all of his judgment on Israel at that point. Rather, he decided to wait patiently until the bottom fell out of every plan. He said, "While they're running around scheming how to survive, I'll wait. I want to show them my mercy, in spite of their wickedness!" (v. 18). Sure enough, everything failed, and things only got worse for the nation. Finally, when all their schemes had fallen through, God told the people, "Now, let me take over! Open your ears, and I will speak to you. I know the way out, and I will direct you. I want to guide your every move, to the right and to the left, to deliver you. I'll lead you by my voice--speaking to you, telling you what to do, down to the last detail!"
What matters--what's vitally important--is that you get to know the voice of God. He is still speaking. He made it clear, "My sheep know my voice." There are many voices in the world today--loud, demanding voices. But there is that still, small voice of the Lord that can be known and heard by all who trust what Jesus said.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Voice of God
- A. A still, small voice speaking to our inner man daily
- B. Confirmed by Isaiah 30:21
- II. The Importance of Listening
- A. God wants to guide our every move
- B. He will direct us to the right and to the left
- III. The Dangers of Disobedience
- A. Israel's leaders refused to listen to God's voice
- B. They turned to Egypt for help instead
- IV. The Mercy of God
- A. He waits patiently for us to turn to Him
- B. He wants to show us mercy in spite of our wickedness
Key Quotes
“My sheep know my voice.” — David Wilkerson
“While they're running around scheming how to survive, I'll wait. I want to show them my mercy, in spite of their wickedness!” — David Wilkerson
“I'll lead you by my voice--speaking to you, telling you what to do, down to the last detail!” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- We must be willing to listen to God's voice and trust His guidance in our lives.
- God's mercy is available to us, even in the midst of difficulties and challenges.
- We must not turn to other sources for help, but instead, rely on God's guidance and direction.