Purpose Study Bible 141: How God Speaks

Numbers 7 contains a long and tedious list of the offerings that the tribes brought to the tabernacle when it was erected and dedicated. At the very end of the chapter, we read

When Moses entered the tent of meeting to speak with the Lord, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the atonement cover on the ark of the covenant law. In this way the Lord spoke to him (Numbers 7:89).

"This is the way He spoke to him" is the phrase we want to focus on, for God is a great communicator and He is able to talk to His people in various ways. This concept makes many people nervous because they believe it's too easy to miss His voice or that He just doesn't "speak" except through His word. However, He can speak through others, those who know Him or don't, through circumstances, through His word, and through the "still small voice" in someone's heart.

The point is that He individualizes His communication and it's important for you to identify over time how He has chosen to speak to you. Of course, what He imparts will never be contrary to biblical principles, yet there are daily life decisions on which He can communicate to you His will and wisdom. Do you believe God speaks to you? How does He choose to speak to you? Is it through your finances? Through Bible study? From the pulpit? From a certain life situation through which He reveals His lessons and wisdom?

What do you do when you think you have heard from Him? Do you have faith or are you fearful and thus require Him to confirm His "word" to you again and again? If you want to find and fulfill your purpose, you will need to "hear" what God is showing you, having faith that He is willing and able to communicate with you just like He did to Moses.