In a world full of noise, one of the most powerful things we can do is learn to hear God’s voice. In a recent sermon at Word Alive International Outreach, 7 Springs Founder Daniel Hughes beautifully unpacked the importance of discerning divine guidance among the many voices and thoughts that crowd our minds. He reminded us that not all thoughts come from God—and that the enemy often uses our own thoughts to confuse and mislead us. However, we can be assured that God is actively working to remove these barriers, helping us distinguish His voice from the noise surrounding us.
The Power of Thoughts and Emotions
Daniel took a deep dive into how our thoughts shape our reality. Our thoughts are so powerful that they can influence our physical state, triggering emotions like fear and anxiety. But how do we know if the thoughts we’re hearing are from God or the enemy? It can be a struggle for many, and clarity can only be attained when we understand the difference between God’s voice and deceptive thoughts.
For those who struggle to hear God’s voice, this difficulty may be attributed to a “deaf and dumb spirit.” This spirit, which can impact people from childhood, stifles one’s ability to hear and respond to God’s call. But that doesn’t leave us hopeless—the Lord is actively removing these obstacles, and we can expect to hear His voice more clearly than ever before.
“And I prophesy to you that this year you’ll hear the voice of the Lord,” Daniel said. “And we’re heading into a new time, into a new place, and you’re going to hear the Lord.”
Spiritual Awakening: Embracing Your Identity
One of the central themes Daniel touched on was the importance of understanding our identity as sons and daughters of God. He emphasized that many people struggle with hearing God because they don’t fully grasp who they are in Him. God’s purpose for our lives is linked to this understanding. When we recognize our identity, it becomes easier to step into the calling He has placed on our lives, and we begin to experience the fullness of His plans for us.
True Love: A Journey of Compassion
Daniel reflected on his own journey with love and compassion, noting that true love is only possible when we understand how deeply God loves us. He admitted to feeling less compassion for others and more for his own pain—leading him to unknowingly manipulate situations emotionally. However, through a deeper connection with God, he now experiences a genuine love for others that is rooted in the Father’s love.
Each person has a unique story of God’s faithfulness, and as we grow in this understanding, our compassion for others becomes authentic. This is the power of divine love—it transforms our relationships and empowers us to connect with others in a profound, selfless way.
Divine Sonship: The Key to Self-Worth
Understanding our identity as children of God is not just a nice theological concept—it’s a life-changing revelation. Many of us struggle with self-worth because of negative experiences with earthly fathers. These experiences often shape how we view God, leading us to believe that God is angry or disappointed with us. But Jesus came to reveal the true nature of the Father—one who is loving, patient and kind.
God’s love for us is not based on our actions but on who we are in Him. Long before we ever did anything to “earn” His approval, God declared His pleasure in us. This unconditional love frees us from the need to constantly strive for approval—it’s a love that simply is, and it’s always available to us.
“He is your father and He loves you, and it doesn’t matter if you’re in the darkest place; it doesn’t matter if you don’t intend on coming out of it; it doesn’t matter if you’ve come here with a bad agenda; if you were tricked or you’re trying to trick somebody—it doesn’t matter. You’re His son, you’re His daughter, and He absolutely loves you.”
Restoration and Redemption: Reclaiming What Was Lost
God’s redemptive power is always at work, reclaiming what has been lost due to the enemy’s deception. Daniel spoke passionately about the biblical principle of restitution—God will restore what has been taken from us, whether it’s time, purpose or relationships. We must believe that we can recover what the enemy has stolen. We are called to walk in the fullness of God’s promises and to trust in His ability to restore and redeem every area of our lives.
A Call to Action: Embrace Your Identity in Christ
No one is too far gone to be a part of God’s movement—our past does not disqualify us from God’s purpose. The invitation is open to all of us to step into a new season of clarity, purpose and divine connection. Daniel encouraged us to shift from a competitive mindset to one of collaboration and compassion. In the body of Christ, we are called to support one another, building each other up rather than tearing each other down. This shift is essential as we move forward in our faith journeys, both individually and as a community.
A Fresh Start: Marking a New Beginning
Whether you’re new to faith or simply longing for a deeper connection with the Lord, it’s time to embrace your identity as His child and confidently step forward into your divine calling. Daniel’s message was a powerful reminder that hearing God’s voice is not a distant, elusive experience. It is something we can actively pursue and encounter as we remove the spiritual barriers that hinder us.
This year can truly be a year of hearing God more clearly, reclaiming what was lost and embracing the fullness of our divine inheritance.
