God treats people differently based on the situation and the time period in which they live. In early biblical times, God understood that people needed to hear His voice directly or through angels and prophets in order to believe in His power because the Bible hadn’t been written yet. For example, God spoke to Noah, Job, and Jonah and in Exodus chapter 3, He even spoke to Moses through a burning bush. He also used prophets to preach his message. God told his prophets what to say to the people so they could learn how to please God or be warned about something. 

Those people who lived in that early time period followed God by using their SIGHT and HEARING. Seeing powerful miracles and hearing God’s words being spoken in special ways helped them believe, and their faith was increased.

Today, in our day, we have God’s instructions for us written in the Bible. God deals with His people differently now than he did in biblical times. He wants us to follow Him using our FAITH. Hebrews 11:6 says it’s impossible to please God without faith.

God speaks to us through His Word, the Bible. The scriptures never contradict themselves and they are sufficient to give us salvation and to develop us into Christlike characters. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV), “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

So, if a supposed answer to prayer contradicts scripture or a scriptural principle, that is not an answer from God. God’s way always leads to righteousness, love, and character development. It may, indeed, involve suffering. But suffering is part of the Christian experience now. Romans 8:17, “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”

How do you find the will of God when you pray?

George Mueller, a fine Christian living at the turn of the 20th century, wrote:

“I seek in the beginning to get my heart in such a state that it has no will of its own in regard to a given matter. Nine-tenths of the difficulties are overcome when our hearts are ready to do the Lord’s will, whatever it may be. Having done this, I do not leave the result to feeling or simple impression. If I do so, I make myself liable to a great delusion. I see the will or Spirit of God through, or in connection with, the Word of God. The Spirit and the Word must be combined. If I look to the Spirit alone, without the Word, I lay myself open to great delusions also. If the holy Spirit guides us at all, it will be according to the Scriptures, and never contrary to them. Next, I take into account providential circumstances. These often plainly indicate God’s will, in connection with his Word and his Spirit. I ask God in prayer to reveal his will to me aright. Thus by the prayer to God, the study of the Word, and reflection, I come to deliberate judgment according to the best of my knowledge and opportunity, and, if my mind is thus at peace, I proceed accordingly.”

God also speaks to us through His people. Galatians 2:11-14 illustrates that God used the Apostle Paul to correct the Apostle Peter.  Seek counsel from others who are of strong faith and be willing to listen. When we share our experiences and challenges with mature Christians, they may offer scriptures that we had not considered. 

Finally, God speaks to us through situations. It was God’s will that Joseph was carried away to Egypt so that he could save his family many years later.  His brethren meant evil, but God meant it for good.  (Genesis 50:20)

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV), “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

Additional Resources:

Download the free PDF: “How God Answers Prayer”

Christian Questions Podcast 
Episode #1325: “Does God’s Holy Spirit Speak to Us?”
Unfolding how the holy spirit does and does not function in our lives
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

Episode 1294: “How Can I Transform My Prayer Life? (Part I)”
Who God hears, why He says no and how prayer works
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

Episode 1295: How Can I Transform My Prayer Life? (Part II)
Discussing the practical everyday questions that make prayer work
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

For children, parents and Bible class teachers:
Animated video: Why doesn’t God speak to us directly anymore?