Following Jesus: Hearing His Voice and Finding Faithfulness Amidst Struggles

How do we know if we are truly following Jesus? How can we hear His voice and follow Him faithfully? These are questions that often arise in Bible studies and discussions about our relationship with God. In John 10:27, Jesus says, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." This verse implies that as believers, we should be able to recognize and respond to the voice of Jesus. But what does that look like in our everyday lives?

One woman in a recent Bible study I attended shared her experience of hearing God's voice through the blessings in her life. She talked about how smoothly everything seemed to be going for her - a new house purchased without any difficulties, an old house sold without stress, and now living in her dream home in the perfect climate. To her, these material blessings were evidence of God's favor and guidance in her life.

As I listened to her, I couldn't help but feel troubled. I knew that many women in the room were facing challenges such as troubled marriages, battles with cancer, or the grief of losing babies. Some were dealing with financial hardships that seemed to have no end in sight. These women were faithfully following Jesus through their struggles, and their lives looked very different from the picture of blessing painted by the woman next to me.

The definition of God's blessing should not be limited to material prosperity. It is a dangerous idea to equate God's blessing with a comfortable life. Unfortunately, this idea is ingrained in much of American Christianity and is often promoted by the prosperity gospel. The prosperity gospel teaches that if we have enough faith, God will reward us with health, wealth, and success. But this formula is not supported by the Bible or the experiences of many faithful believers.

Jesus himself challenges this notion in Matthew 5:45 when he says, "He makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." God's common kindness and blessings are poured out on all people, regardless of their faith or righteousness. The sun shines and the rain falls on both the good and the evil. So, the presence of material blessings does not necessarily indicate God's favor.

In fact, the Bible teaches us that following Jesus often involves suffering and hardship. The apostle Paul writes in Philippians 1:29, "For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake." This suffering is not a punishment or a sign of God's disfavor, but an opportunity to share in the sufferings of Christ and grow in our faith.

Throughout the Bible, we see examples of God's presence with His people in the midst of their trials. Joseph, despite being falsely accused and imprisoned, experienced God's steadfast love and favor while in prison (Genesis 39:20-21). David, in the midst of the darkness and danger, found comfort in the presence of God (Psalm 23:4-5). The apostle Peter encourages believers to rejoice in their sufferings, knowing that the Spirit of God rests upon them (1 Peter 4:12-14).

So, how do we hear the voice of Jesus and follow Him faithfully in the midst of our struggles? It begins with a proper understanding of God's blessing and His presence with us. We must recognize that God's blessing is not limited to material prosperity, but includes His presence, His comfort, and His faithfulness in every circumstance.

In order to hear the voice of Jesus, we need to be attentive and open to His leading. This requires spending time in prayer and studying His Word. The Bible is the primary way God speaks to us and reveals His will. As we read and meditate on Scripture, the Holy Spirit can guide and speak to us, illuminating the truth and wisdom found in God's Word.

But hearing the voice of Jesus is not just about receiving personal guidance and direction. It is also about aligning our hearts and minds with His teachings and example. Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23). Following Jesus means surrendering our own desires and agendas, and seeking to live according to His will and purposes.

Following Jesus in the midst of suffering requires faith and trust. It means believing that God is with us and working all things for our good, even when the circumstances seem bleak. It means clinging to the promises of God and finding hope and strength in His presence. The apostle Paul writes in Romans 8:18, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Our present sufferings are temporary and insignificant compared to the eternal glory that awaits us in Christ.

In conclusion, following Jesus is not about material blessings or an easy life. It is about recognizing and responding to His voice, trusting in His presence and faithfulness, and surrendering our lives to His will. God's blessing is not measured by our circumstances, but by His grace and love poured out on us. So, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, and follow Him faithfully, no matter the challenges we may face.