God speaks to us through others. He will use those around us and those we may not even know to speak truth into our lives. Some of the most influential people that God has used to speak into my life I do not know personally. They are authors, speakers, and people I have heard of that have impacted me the most. But God also puts pastors, leaders, family, friends, co-workers, and sometimes strangers to send a message to us. He uses others to deliver many seeds of wisdom to us through many different ways.

We do not have to wait for people to speak into our life though. We can be intentional about seeking out those that can speak truth into our life. It is so important to have mentors around us that have the freedom to challenge us. Those that can lift us up to a higher level. If we do not have people in our life that we trust to help us, then we are dangerously flying solo. God created us for community. We are designed to be in relationship with others so that we can help each other out in our times of need. That is why Acts 2 gives us a snapshot of what our lives should look like…

 Acts 2:42-47

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.  All the believers were together and had everything in common.  They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.  Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.  

 Make sure that you identify some people in your life that are allowed to speak God’s truth into you. After identifying them, begin to surround yourself with their wisdom. Listen when God is speaking through them. Get around the right people that will advise you and counsel you in Godly paths.

 Proverbs 15:22

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

 Listen when your mentors speak. We have just as much a responsibility to listen, as the one speaking has a responsibility to communicate clearly. Over the years I have heard people in church say, “I just don’t feel like I am getting fed from the pastor.” Though I understand there might be an issue of the Pastor not communicating well, I also can’t help but think, is the listener truly listening? I am convinced that you can hear truth and God’s voice through the most unlikely voices in the most unlikely places. How do you think the prophet Balaam felt when his donkey spoke to him as recorded in the book of Numbers? God can use anyone to speak to you. We need to devote ourselves, as the book of Acts says, to the teaching of Godly people who will challenge us.

As a word of caution, make sure you are listening to the right people. There will be those that will come along and offer their “wisdom” for your life, but it must line up with God’s word. Be careful of those that try to run your life for you. Build trust and accountability with the people who God has put around you and those you  have chosen to mentor you. Can God speak through anyone? Absolutely, but usually those that have a place of authority over us are the ones who can help us the most.

Who are the people that speak into your life? If you can’t identify any, you need to seek those out that will mentor you. Approach them and ask for their time to take you under their wing and challenge you to be better. Mentors don’t have to be personal contacts either. Some of my greatest mentors are those I have never met, but I read their books, listen to their teachings and follow their example as I said earlier. So who are your mentors and teachers?