DAY 16 – Fasting & Prayer

20. January 2026

Devotion by Reverend Joseph Antwi

Theme: Hearing and Obeying the Voice of God (Nations Directed)

Key Scriptures: John 10:27 | Isaiah 30:21 | James 1:22–25

INTRODUCTION

In my pastoral journey, I often come across people who say, “God told me to do this,” or “God spoke to me about that.” Some even say, “God told me to have this boyfriend or girlfriend,” when they are barely 15 years old. While I believe wholeheartedly that God still speaks today, we must be very clear about one thing: God will never speak contrary to His Word (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

God will not tell a 15-year-old to enter a relationship that will most likely lead to fornication, because His Word already gives clear boundaries concerning purity (1 Thessalonians 4:3–4; 1 Corinthians 6:18). When what we claim to hear contradicts Scripture, then it is not the voice of God—it is another voice (Galatians 1:8).

The truth is, many voices compete for our attention—our emotions, desires, culture, peer pressure, fear, and social media (1 Kings 19:11–12). A believer can only discern the true voice of God through intimacy with Him. You cannot recognize God’s voice if you spend eight hours a day on social media and only a few minutes in prayer. God’s voice does not dwell in noise and distraction (Psalm 46:10).

Using this simple illustration: I know my wife’s voice! True I really know lady Anita's voice. And you can guess why? Even if she speaks among a thousand people, her voice will stand out to me. Even in the dark, when I cannot see her, I will recognize her voice immediately. Why? Because I speak with her daily. I am intimate with her. I have learned her voice over time.

In the same way, you will know when the Lord speaks. Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27). It is only the sheep of God that know His voice. Only His disciples. Only those that hunger and thirst to know Him (Matthew 5:6).

HOW GOD SPEAKS

God speaks in different ways, and the Bible confirms this clearly:

1. Face to face, as He did with Moses

“The LORD spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.”

(Exodus 33:11; Numbers 12:8)

2. Through the Holy Spirit—revelations, visions, and inner witness

(John 16:13; Acts 10:19; Romans 8:16)

3. Through dreams

(Job 33:14–16; Matthew 1:20; Acts 2:17)

4. Through His Word

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

(Psalm 119:105; Hebrews 4:12)

5. Through your shepherd—your pastor or ministry leaders

“Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls.”

(Hebrews 13:17; Ephesians 4:11–12)

6. And through other channels God chooses

(Hebrews 1:1; Amos 3:7)

Your pastor can be a great voice of God in your life. Philip once said to Jesus, “Show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus replied, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:8–9).

It is sad to see people searching for the voice of God through unsurrendered emotions, while rejecting the channels God has already placed in their lives. God often speaks through authority and alignment, not rebellion (Proverbs 11:14).

The Lord may speak to you to join the evangelism team through His Word, through your man of God, through a dream, or by the prompting of the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:2). Obedience is the key. God keeps speaking when we keep obeying (Luke 16:10).

DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION

God’s Church must be sensitive to His voice. In a world full of noise and distraction, obedience begins with recognition. Hearing without obedience is ineffective; obedience without hearing is blind (James 1:22).

As we cultivate sensitivity to God’s voice and respond in obedience, nations experience clarity, blessing, and divine direction through us (Isaiah 48:17–18). A confused Church produces confused societies, but a listening Church becomes a compass for nations.

God is still speaking. The question is not whether He speaks—but whether we are listening and willing to obey (Revelation 3:20).

PRAYER POINTS

• Tune our hearts to hear Your voice clearly above all distractions.

(John 10:27; Isaiah 55:3)

• Grant us grace to obey fully and promptly.

(James 1:22; Deuteronomy 28:1–2)

• Silence voices of confusion, fear, and deception in our nations.

(Isaiah 8:19–20; 2 Corinthians 10:5)

• Lead us by Your Spirit in every national, church, and personal decision.

(Romans 8:14; Psalm 32:8)

• Let obedience through us bring clarity, stability, and fruitfulness to nations.

(Luke 11:28; John 15:7–8)

PRAYER FOR THE NATIONAL PRAYER FESTIVAL (BASEL)

We declare liberty, peace, and divine direction over the National Prayer Festival.

Every voice of confusion is silenced.

Every heart is aligned to hear and obey the voice of the Lord.

The atmosphere is saturated with the Holy Spirit.

(2 Corinthians 3:17; Psalm 24:7)

If you have been blessed by this devotion kindly forward to a friend you know is not reading his or her devotion or weak in the spirit and let’s encourage one another.

Use this moment to pray for friends that have backslided. Leave a comment here at the comment session and pray for us if this blessed you.

Shalom

Rev Joseph Antwi