016 God Speaks: Hinderences to Hearing God part 3

Hindrances to Hearing God’s Voice: A Lack of Faith

One of the greatest barriers to hearing God is a lack of faith. Often, the reason we don’t experience His voice isn’t that He isn’t speaking, but because we don’t truly believe that He does—or that He will—for us. Faith is the key that unlocks our ability to hear God, and without it, we may miss the incredible ways He desires to communicate with us.

The Role of Belief in Hearing God

Faith and belief go hand in hand when it comes to hearing God. If we don’t believe that God speaks, how can we expect to recognize His voice? Sadly, many of us carry unbelief in our hearts. It can take the form of thoughts like:

• God doesn’t do that anymore.
• Why would God speak to me?
• God can’t or won’t reveal Himself in that way.

These beliefs act as a wall, blocking us from fully engaging with God. In Scripture, we see countless examples of God speaking directly to His people—through dreams, prophets, His Word, and the still, small voice of His Spirit. Yet, when we approach Him with skepticism or doubt, it becomes harder for us to perceive His voice, even when He’s speaking clearly.

The Power of Faith to Hear God

Faith isn’t just wishful thinking—it’s a confident trust in God’s character and promises. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that “without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”

Faith positions us to hear God. It creates an expectancy that allows us to tune in to what He’s saying. On the other hand, unbelief shuts the door. Even when God speaks in miraculous ways, unbelief can prevent us from acknowledging His voice.

When Unbelief Blocks the Way

I’ve seen this reality play out in the lives of people who desperately needed to hear from God. I’ve witnessed moments where God revealed Himself in undeniable ways—through answered prayers, miraculous events, or clear guidance—yet the individual still struggled to believe.

Denial and doubt can be incredibly powerful. They can blind us to God’s work, even when it’s right in front of us. It’s as if our unbelief becomes a filter that distorts or silences His voice.

Think about the story of Thomas, one of Jesus’ disciples. After Jesus’ resurrection, Thomas refused to believe unless he could see and touch the wounds himself (John 20:24-29). Jesus eventually met him in his doubt, but Thomas’ story reminds us how unbelief can hinder our ability to experience God fully.

Expecting God to Speak

If we want to hear God, we must approach Him with faith and expectancy. It’s not about demanding that God speak in a particular way or on our timetable, but about trusting that He is willing and able to communicate.

Here’s the truth: God is always at work. He is always revealing Himself—through His Word, creation, circumstances, and the Holy Spirit. Our role is to open our hearts, remove the barriers of unbelief, and say, “Lord, I believe. Speak to me.”

Steps to Overcome Unbelief

If you’re struggling with a lack of faith in hearing God’s voice, consider these practical steps:

Ask God to Strengthen Your Faith
Faith is a gift from God. Pray and ask Him to help you overcome unbelief, just as the father in Mark 9:24 cried out, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

Reflect on God’s Character
Remind yourself of who God is: a loving Father who desires to speak to His children. Meditate on verses like John 10:27, where Jesus says, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

Seek Him with Expectancy
Approach your quiet time with an open heart, expecting to hear from God. Faith doesn’t demand a specific outcome—it trusts that God will speak in the way that’s best for you.

Surround Yourself with Testimonies
Spend time with people who have experienced hearing God’s voice. Their stories can encourage your faith and remind you that God still speaks today.

Take Small Steps of Faith
Start by asking God simple questions and listening for His response. Write down any impressions, Scriptures, or thoughts that come to mind. Over time, you’ll grow more confident in recognizing His voice.

A Final Thought

Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God. Without it, we miss the intimacy He desires to have with us. Hearing God’s voice isn’t about trying harder—it’s about trusting deeper. When we lay aside our unbelief and approach Him with expectancy, we position ourselves to experience His presence in powerful ways.

So, let me ask you: Are you ready to take a step of faith? Ask God to speak. Trust that He will. And prepare your heart to listen.