WAS THAT YOU, LORD?

Text: John 10:27 — “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”

Introduction

Now I’m gonna be real honest with you today — this message isn’t just for the folks out there, it’s for me too. There’ve been times in my walk with the Lord where I’ve said, “I believe the Lord told me…” or, “He impressed this on my heart…” and other times where I’ve heard Him speak so clearly, it was like thunder rolled through my soul.

But then there’ve been those moments — and maybe you’ve had ‘em too — where I later asked myself, “Was that really the Lord, or was that just me wanting it to be Him?”

So let’s talk about it. Let’s walk this one out together. How do you know it was the Lord?

1. His Voice Never Contradicts His Word

📖 Isaiah 8:20 – “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.”

If you hear something in your Spirit and it goes against Scripture, you can lay it down right there — it ain’t Him.

God has already spoken through His Word, and He’s not about to change His mind to fit our mood, our culture, or our cravings. The Holy Spirit will never contradict the Holy Bible.

🔔 If it doesn’t line up with the Book, it didn’t come from the Throne.

Example: If I feel a strong urge to give somebody a piece of my mind — to “set 'em straight” — but Jesus tells me to love my enemies, bless those who curse me, and walk the second mile… then what I’m hearing is more from me than He.

The voice of the Lord will always be in harmony with the Word of the Lord.

2. The Peace of God Will Umpire Your Heart

📖 Colossians 3:15 – “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…”

That word “rule” there means to act like an umpire — calling safe or out. God doesn’t push through confusion, anxiety, or turmoil. His peace doesn’t always feel warm and fuzzy, but it is steady, quiet, and assuring.

I remember times either seeking or being offered what looked like a great opportunity — money, recognition, influence. But every time I prayed, I had a check in my Spirit. Couldn’t get peace. I let it go. Months later, the whole thing collapsed like a rotted-out barn. God’s peace kept me from walking into a mess.

Peace isn’t permission to get comfortable — but it is confirmation that the Shepherd is leading the way.

3. Look at the Fruit — What Is This Voice Producing?

📖 James 3:17 – “The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits…”

The voice of the Lord will not stir up fear, pride, anger, or manipulation. The enemy will. So will your flesh. But God’s voice produces righteousness, mercy, humility, and obedience.

If what you’re “hearing” causes you to feel superior to someone else, leads you to justify sin, or rush ahead without counsel — hit the brakes. That’s not Jesus; that’s your ego dressed up in religious robes.

The Holy Spirit is called the Helper, not the hustler. His voice builds up, doesn’t puff up.

4. Godly Counsel is a Confirming Voice

📖 Proverbs 11:14 – “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”

One of the most loving things God ever did for me was put wise, godly, truth-telling people in my life. And when I’ve thought I heard something from the Lord, they’ve helped confirm it or lovingly challenge it.

But hear me, now — don’t just go to folks who’ll tell you what you want to hear. Go to someone who’ll tell you what you need to hear — someone who walks with God and doesn’t owe you anything but the truth.

We’re not meant to figure everything out alone. God often speaks through godly voices around us.

5. Time Will Tell — The Voice of God Leaves a Trail

📖 John 7:17 – “If anyone wants to do His will, he shall know…”

Sometimes, you don’t know right away. And that’s okay.

God’s not afraid of your questions. In fact, He invites them. When you take a step in faith, seeking His will sincerely, He will confirm the direction — not always instantly, but faithfully.

The more time you spend with the Shepherd, the more you recognize the Shepherd’s voice. Like a baby learning their mama’s voice — the more they hear it, the more they trust it.

God’s voice doesn’t panic you. It leads you — step by step, truth by truth.

Conclusion: When in Doubt, Seek Him Out

I’ll close with this: We serve a talking God who wants to be known, not a distant deity who plays hide and seek.

If you’re not sure it was the Lord, don’t condemn yourself — but do slow down and ask again.

Ask these questions:

• Does it line up with the Word?

• Is there peace in my heart?

• What kind of fruit is this producing?

• Have I run this by godly counsel?

• Is God confirming it with time?

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And above all — stay close to the Shepherd. The more time you spend in His presence, the more confident you’ll be in His voice.

Because His sheep still hear His voice.

Altar Call or Closing Word:

Maybe you’re here or reading this today, and you’ve been saying, “Lord, I just need to know if this is You.”Then I want to tell you:

He hears you.

He’s not far.

He’s not silent.

Lean in.

Wait on Him.

He speaks to listening hearts.

Pastor Terry

One Truth At A Time

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