Be Open to the Way God Speaks to You

God speaks to us in many ways: through His Word, nature, an audible voice, impressions, visions, dreams, music, other people, and even television. He can use any means to capture our attention, bringing encouragement, correction, or guidance.

This is my story of how God used a car’s license plate and a recent earthquake to speak to me.

Car License Plate

While sitting at a red light on November 9, 2008, I noticed the license plate on the car in front of me. It read, KTG 574. I thought, Hey, cool, that’s my initials. I wonder if that’s a scripture? Psalms came to mind. I searched the Bible, but there was no Psalm 5:74. Then Isaiah came to mind, but there was no Isaiah 5:74 either.

At the time, my work situation was becoming very stressful. Without management support, tempers were flaring, and accusations were flying as we struggled to meet a staggering number of audit deadlines. With so much on my mind, I thought maybe I had misinterpreted it.

Later, I realized it should be Psalm 57:4 (NIV). It says, I am in the midst of lions; I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts, men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. Exasperated, I replied, I know that, Lord.

Again, Isaiah came to mind, so I looked up Isaiah 57:4 (NIV). It says, Who are you mocking? At whom do you sneer and stick out your tongue? God was convicting me of my words and actions at work.

Philippines Earthquake

At Wednesday’s prayer meeting at Gateway, the leader and I shared our discouragement over our Prayer Team’s lack of participation and support. As we began our prayer time, a woman in the group led a prayer for the Philippines, which had recently experienced a 7.8 earthquake.

I write down all the prayer requests in my journal, and I quickly wrote, Phil 7.8 earthquake. Immediately, the word Scripture came to mind.

I turned to Philippians 7:8 in my Bible app, but of course, there is no chapter 7. Then I searched for Philemon 7:8 (NIV). Since Philemon only has one chapter, I read verses 7 and 8 instead:

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people. V7 (CSB) For this reason, although I have great boldness in Christ to command you to do what is right.

The Apostle Paul reminds us to continually lift one another in Christ, refreshing hearts through love, faith, and boldness. Stand with one another. Build each other up. For this is right.

God was giving both of us the encouragement we needed to stay the course and continue leading in prayer.

The first time God got my attention, He brought correction. The second time, He brought encouragement.

He knows what you need and when you need it. Whether it’s encouragement, correction, or guidance, be open to the way God wants to speak to you. It may not always look the way you expect, but He knows exactly how to reach you in the way you need most.

Have you ever noticed signs in your life that felt like divine communication? It could be something as simple as a phrase you overheard or a moment that made you pause. These experiences can be profound. They remind us that we are not alone and that there is a greater purpose at play.

Does your church offer a prayer ministry? If not, God just might be asking you to start one. Community is essential in our spiritual journeys. It provides a space for sharing burdens, lifting each other up, and growing together in faith.

When we come together, we create an environment where God can work through us. We become vessels of His love and encouragement for one another.

Let me encourage you to embrace the journey of listening to God. Whether through a license plate, a prayer request, or a moment of reflection, be attentive to the signs around you. They may lead you to the encouragement or correction you need.

As I continue to create original fiber collage art, I find that my pieces often reflect these moments of divine communication. I blend textiles and mixed media into layered, expressive works that resonate with the stories I encounter. Each piece is a reminder of the unique connection between visual art and the written word.

Let your heart be open to the ways God speaks to you. You never know how a simple moment can transform your perspective and inspire your journey.