EPISODE 0230 | Hearing God’s Voice and Understanding Suffering
THESE NOTES ACCOMPANY EPISODE 0230
In this special Q&A episode, Pastor Stephen and Pastor Nate tackle two of the most foundational questions believers wrestle with: How can I know if God is speaking to me? and Why does God allow suffering in the world today? Through scripture, stories, and spiritual insight, they walk through how to discern God’s voice in a noisy world—and how to stand firm in faith when life is painful, confusing, or unfair. This episode reminds us that God’s voice is clear, His character is consistent, and even in suffering, He is present and good.
Main Topics Covered:
✔️ How to discern God’s voice from your own thoughts or emotions
✔️ The role of scripture, church, and spiritual peace in hearing from God
✔️ The importance of spiritual community and wise counsel
✔️ Why suffering exists in a broken world
✔️ How God uses suffering to develop faith, character, and eternal perspective
✔️ The difference between confusion and peace in decision-making
✔️ How Jesus modeled peace through trials—and how we can do the same
Key Scriptures:
📖 John 10:27 – “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
📖 Ephesians 6 – The armor of God and the sword of the Spirit
📖 Romans 5 – Suffering produces endurance, character, and hope
📖 1 Peter 1 – Trials test faith and point us toward eternal hope
📖 Romans 8:28 – God works all things together for the good of those who love Him
📖 John 16:33 – “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart—I have overcome the world.”
Highlights:
🔹 Hearing God’s Voice starts with Scripture. The Bible is the filter for everything else—dreams, impressions, advice, and feelings.
🔹 Spiritual Community Matters. You weren’t meant to discern God's voice alone. Wise, godly people help affirm or redirect what you’re sensing.
🔹 Peace is Key. God’s voice may lead to discomfort—but never to confusion or anxiety.
🔹 Suffering Is Real—but so is God’s promise to be with us in it, work through it, and redeem it.
🔹 Perspective Shapes Everything. The goal of our faith is not comfort—it’s the salvation of our souls. That eternal lens helps us endure anything.
🔹 Obedience Comes First. The miracle often follows an uncomfortable step of faith.
BONUS: Pastor Nate references his full sermon on "How to Hear the Voice of God" - watch it here!
Resources
The Better Planner™ is a personal planner designed by Pastor Stephen to help you map out all the different aspects of success and personal growth on your way to better.
The foundation of the Better Planner™ is the practice of defining and reaching your personal vision. The other principles for growth all integrate with and flow out of this essential step. As you develop and record the insights you receive from God and His design for your life, the Better Planner™ will lead you through a step-by-step process to become better.
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