Removing Obstacles to Hearing God

Getting through the obstacles

And it will be said: “Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.” Isaiah 57:14 NIV

Most people can hear the Lord, but they need to grow in how to respond.

He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. Daniel 2:21 NIV

We need to tune in to the Lord

But solid food is for the mature, whose spiritual senses perceive heavenly matters. And they have been adequately trained by what they’ve experienced to emerge with understanding of the difference between what is truly excellent and what is evil and harmful. Hebrews 5:14 TPT

God is speaking all the time, but we need to tune in. We also need to tune out negative voices. This takes practice and being intentional, but you can learn.

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Many people are afraid of hearing incorrectly or doing something outside of God’s will. For some, the “fear of missing God” has caused them to shut down and not do anything.

We can fix this by using the Hebrews 5:14 example—it’s okay to practice and train yourself to hear God.

Recognizing false voices

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27 NIV

Past experiences and the enemy can bring false voices. These will be unloving, judgmental, harsh, angry, disappointed, have bad intentions or reflect unbiblical behavior.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 NIV

False voices might include:

I am ugly.

I hate you.

I am stupid.

I will never make it.

I am sick and tired.

I am afraid.

Cleaning up your mindset

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 NIV

We need to renew our minds away from the patterns of the world. You will need to eliminate fear, judgments and unbelief. Replace them with the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV).

Changing the spiritual atmosphere

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV 

• Do an inventory of your thoughts and words.

• Recognize ungodly thoughts and take them captive.

• Stop any judgments of yourself or others.

• Bless more than you complain.

• Go on a negative-thought-and-talk fast and develop that as a lifestyle.

• Learn to speak to yourself and others graciously.

Jesus was known for using gracious words (Luke 4:22 NIV) and for His love.

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This is not positive thinking—it is positive speaking—because our words have power and authority.

Words of life required

Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.

When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked.

Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done.” Matthew 21:19–21 NIV

Jesus said our words can uproot obstacles as well as cause things to wither.

Be careful to not speak withering words over yourself or others. Speak fruitful words and have fruitful thoughts.

Recognize areas that once flourished but are now withering. Speak over these areas with prayers and say, “Be fruitful and no longer wither!”

Getting greater authority

Just before Jesus withered the fig tree and talked about spiritual authority, He cleansed the temple (Matthew 21:12–13). He then went on to heal the blind and lame.

We need to cleanse our temples by getting inner healing and repenting from anything that is contrary to God’s Word. This will allow us to get healed of being spiritually lame (not being able to walk in our destiny).

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. Mathew 21:22 NIV

As we take care of these things, we will enter a place of greater authority in prayer.

The next few weeks and months will align us with God’s destiny. Do not be discouraged if it does not line up exactly on the calendar. God is full of grace, and we can step into His power at any point!

Blessings,

Doug Addison
DougAddison.com

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Doug Addison is the founder and president of InLight Connection. Doug is a prophetic speaker, author and coach. He is known for his Daily Prophetic Words, Spirit Connection podcast and blog. He and his wife Linda live in Los Angeles, California where they are impacting the arts, entertainment and media industries.