Kris Vallotton • April 9, 2018

This One Truth Will Help You Hear God (Even When It Feels Like You Can’t)

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked the question, “Why don’t I hear from God?” If you’re reading this it’s likely that you love God, and want to know Him. You’ve probably tried everything you can to try and hear His voice, and still doubt the way He speaks. Maybe you even count yourself out and believe that a prophetic gifting is just not for you.

Perhaps you’re not in that club and have heard God before, but He’s gone silent. He used to speak all the time but now all of a sudden you don’t know how to access that same sense of connection. It would be easy to believe that He’s disconnecting, or that you’re doing something wrong. But I’m here to tell you that this simply is not true!

So what’s the deal then? The truth is that even if you’re not hearing God in this season, He is always speaking. So what are you missing? Watch this week’s Monday Motivation video for more:

In a nutshell:
• Courage is so important! We must be able to take a stand with wisdom, and rooted in love.

• Encouraging someone doesn’t just mean we say, “Hey, you’re amazing!” Sometimes it means we say, “Hey, you’re better than that! You’re acting like a coward and it’s time to stop!”

• Have you ever had someone look you in the eye and say,  “Wake up; what are you doing?” I have and I’m thankful for it.

• I want to tell you a story that happened a while ago. It’s about a woman named Carolyn who went down to a store one day to shop. A young man came up to the car window while she was in the parking lot, asked her to roll down the window, and put a gun to her head.  He said, “Lady, give me your car or I’m going to kill you.” She looked up at him and replied, “You seriously don’t want this car. The shifter doesn’t work, the air conditioner is broken…” So he repeated that if she didn’t get out of the car he would shoot her.

• She said, “You’ve been having suicidal thoughts, haven’t you?” and he said yes so she told him to get in on the other side to talk.  They talked for about an hour and Carolyn lead him to Jesus, prayed for him and broke the spirit of suicide off of him.

• When I hear stories like this I can only hope that I wouldn’t wet my pants in a situation like that!

• What I takeaway from these kinds of stories is what can happen when normal people, like you and I, get full of God.

• You see, the guy with the gun thought he was getting in a car with an old lady, but what he didn’t know is Who she was housing.

• I believe the Lord wants to release courage on people. Not courage to be stupid or to be unloving or hateful, but courage to say to the world, “there’s a standard that I’m not taking down… and someday you may thank me for this.”

• A lot of people believe that Jesus told parables to reveal truth. But Matthew 13:10-13 says, “And the disciples came and said to Him, ‘Why do You speak to them in parables?’ Jesus answered them, ‘To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted. For whoever has, to him more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him. Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.’”

• But if He didn’t want them to know, why not just be quiet?

• One of the most common statements that Jesus makes when preaching is: let those who have eyes see, and that those who have ears hear. He hides His words so that only hungry and humble people can find it.

• So, in other words, Jesus tells parables to hide truth… not from us, but for us.

• This is the total opposite of American Christianity where preachers always spell out all the details in the most clear way so that nobody misunderstands or takes it out of context. I’m not saying you shouldn’t be this careful but Jesus sure wasn’t.

• God is looking for people who have ears to hear. More shall be given to them.

• Most people would say that in some seasons God’s not speaking to them. That’s not true. He’s the Living Word of God. It would be in-congruent with His nature to not talk to you.

• He didn’t die on the cross just for your sins. He died on the cross so that He could have a relationship with you. The nature of relationship is communication!

• If you’ve gone 24 hours and not heard God (there are exceptions), it’s likely because He’s on a channel you’re not on. He could be talking to you in a way that you didn’t catch .

• Maybe He talked to you in a riddle and you didn’t get it. It could be the way the stop lights flashed, how the birds flew, the way a person said something to you…the Lord was talking to you the whole time.

• God is multilingual and He’s speaking to you in many different languages! Once you master a language the Lord will switch so that He can tutor you in a new one and build a relationship with you!

• One of the reasons you don’t hear God is an unawareness that God hides His word for us to seek. If you’re expecting an audible voice, you’ll miss the other ways He’s speaking.

ACTIVATION FOR THE WEEK

Considering that God hides His word for us, how can you be pressing into Him in this week? I want you invite you today to repent, to turn away from thinking that the One who is the Living Word has stopped speaking, and grasp onto the truth that He is eager to meet with you.

His priority is relationship and He has so much He wants to say to you today! Tune your ear to His frequency, put down the boxes you expect Him to fit into, and turn your heart towards your loving Father. One practical way to do this is to bring your spirit into alignment with what God is doing in this season.

Put your hand over your heart and say this: “I bless my spirit to lead my body and my soul today. I bless my spirit to be in communion with Holy Spirit, to hear the way He is speaking to me in this season, and to be aware of God’s voice in my life. God, I am open to hearing you, however you are speaking to me today. Amen.”

I release clarity over you today and a grace to align yourself with God’s voice! Have you ever had a shift in the way you hear from God? How did you work through that? I’d love to hear about it in the comments

THE BLOG

Discover more blog posts

By Kathy Vallotton May 10, 2025
As Mother’s Day approached, I knew there was no one better to speak into the heart of motherhood than my wife, Kathy. Her life has been a living picture of grace, sacrifice, and Spirit-led strength. I believe her words will bless you the way her life has blessed me. Kris - Today, I want to honor the incredible women who wear the title of “Mother” with grace, strength, and unwavering love. A mother is a guiding light. She illuminates our paths with wisdom and warmth. She is the gentle hand that nurtures us in our earliest days, the fierce protector who stands by us through life’s storms, and the unwavering supporter of our dreams. Many times, Mom, our sacrifices go unnoticed. We juggle countless responsibilities, often putting our own needs aside to ensure the happiness and well-being of our family. That’s just what Moms do! My joy has always come from serving others. What some people call exhausting, I call invigorating! Even when my kids were young, I can't tell you how many sleepless nights I've had, comforting one of my babies because, ‘only Mommy will do.’ Love wins every time! But love has stolen my heart over and over again. In the good times and in the bad, Jesus has always been by my side, my solid rock and my firm foundation. He has been there beside you too! That big “S” that you wear on your chest didn't happen by accident. The bible says that He will never leave me or forsake me. During all of my laughter and through my many tears, He has always guided me in every situation. So when you feel weak, remember He is right by your side. When you don't think that you can move another muscle, He is your biggest cheerleader. When you get into a spot where life feels like more than you can handle, take a look at what the Lord says about you! You are Tenacious. Your perseverance is remarkable. As a Mom, you consistently push through obstacles with unwavering commitment to your goals. You are Courageous. Mom’s often take bold steps, stand up to what they think is just, even when faced with opposition or adversity. You can do this! You are Radiant. The love of Jesus shines brightly to all those who you come in contact with, inspiring positivity and hope. You are Unstoppable. Mom, once you set your sights on a goal, you exhibit an unwavering drive to help your children pursue their dreams and desires. You are Fierce. With a spirit that is unyielding, as a Mom, you will protect your family at all costs. You are Inspiring. Moms believe in their kids. We believe that all things are possible with God and encourage our families to go where no child has ever gone before! Mom, you are the architects of our character, teaching us values of kindness, empathy, and resilience. With every hug, every word of encouragement, you instill in us the confidence to pursue our passions and overcome obstacles. Your laughter brings joy to our lives, while your tears remind us of the depth of your love. As a mom myself, I celebrate not just the role you play but the remarkable individuals you are. You are the heart of the family, the keeper of traditions, and the source of unconditional love. Each moment shared, each lesson taught, and every story told weaves an unbreakable bond that shapes who we are. To all mothers, whether near or far, biological or chosen, your impact is profound and everlasting. Today, we celebrate you, not just for the love you give, but for the incredible people you are. Happy Mother’s Day! Kathy Vallotton
By Kris Vallotton March 5, 2025
Have you ever felt called to a spiritual role but struggled to find your place in it? Perhaps you've experienced a divine moment where God revealed a prophetic gift in your life, yet you found yourself wondering why others don't seem to recognize or acknowledge it. This tension between divine calling and human recognition can be one of the most challenging aspects of walking in prophetic ministry. I've spoken with countless individuals who believe God has called them to be prophets, yet they feel frustrated when church leadership doesn't immediately recognize their office. They often share powerful testimonies of divine encounters or prophetic words that confirmed their calling. But here's the beautiful truth I've discovered: authentic spiritual authority requires both divine appointment and human recognition. Scripture shows us that even Jesus "increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men" (Luke 2:52). This powerful verse reveals an important principle – spiritual authority flourishes at the intersection of Heaven's approval and earthly recognition. The Bible offers us profound wisdom about this journey of walking out our prophetic calling. Let's explore three essential principles that can help you navigate this path with grace and wisdom. 1. Understand the Process Between Anointing and Appointment King David's story provides one of the most powerful examples of the gap between divine calling and public recognition. When Samuel anointed David as king, the Spirit of the Lord came upon him powerfully – yet David didn't actually become king for fourteen years! During that time, he served faithfully, developed his character, and waited for God's timing. The journey between your prophetic calling and your public commissioning is not an accident – it's divine design. This season of preparation builds the character, wisdom, and spiritual maturity needed to carry the weight of prophetic authority. Just as David was anointed three times – once by God through Samuel and twice by the people – your prophetic gift may require multiple confirmations. Remember that if you have favor with God but not yet with leadership, pushing for recognition prematurely can lead to painful experiences. As Proverbs 18:16 reminds us, " A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men. " Allow your gift to create the space for your ministry rather than trying to force open doors that aren't ready to receive you. 2. Avoid Self-Promotion and Political Maneuvering It’s important to realize that even though your gift is what gets you into the room, your character is the thing that keeps you there. There's a stark warning in Scripture about gaining influence through manipulation rather than divine timing. Absalom, David's son, shows us the danger of winning people's hearts through flattery, false promises, and undermining leadership. He created a following by positioning himself as more accessible and understanding than the established authority. In today's social media age, the temptation toward self-promotion has never been stronger. We can easily build platforms that elevate our image above our character. But true prophetic authority doesn't come through marketing yourself as an expert – it comes through humble service, consistent character, and divine timing. James 4:6 reminds us that " God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. " When we push for recognition prematurely or through manipulation, we may gain a position but miss the protection that comes with proper promotion. Like Joseph, who shared his prophetic dreams prematurely with his brothers, our lack of wisdom can create a much more difficult path to our destiny than God intended. 3. Embrace the Preparation Process The weight of the prophetic office is both invisible and substantial. I've witnessed many genuinely called individuals crumble under the pressure of premature promotion. The apostle Paul wisely instructed that leaders " should first be tested and then let them serve " (1 Timothy 3:10), and warned against laying hands on anyone hastily (1 Timothy 5:22). True preparation for prophetic ministry involves more than just having accurate prophetic words. It requires developing spiritual maturity, biblical understanding, relational wisdom, and emotional health. If you sense a prophetic calling on your life, embrace the preparation process with patience and humility. Serve faithfully where you are. Allow trusted leaders to speak into your life and development. Study the Scriptures diligently. And remember that the process between the promise and the palace is not just necessary – it's a gift that prepares you to succeed when your time comes. My prayer for you is that you would find peace in God's timing for your prophetic journey. May you grow in both favor with God and with people, allowing the Lord to develop in you the character needed to carry His voice with integrity. Let me be clear- the path to your prophetic purpose isn't just about reaching a destination – it's about becoming the person who can faithfully steward the authority that comes with it.
By Kris Vallotton February 12, 2025
Kathy and I are celebrating our 50th anniversary this year, and we’ve been together for 54. We’ve experienced highs and lows together and built a life I never imagined possible! Over the past 50+ years, we’ve learned a few things that I want to share with you to help your marriage thrive!  Know when to sacrifice pleasure for the pursuit of joy. Kathy and I have learned when to sacrifice pleasure for the pursuit of joy; this is the discipline of laying down your life for another. A practical example of this is when people find out we have horses. They say, “Oh wow, Kris, you have horses!” My response to them goes something like this, “No, I don’t have horses. Kathy has horses. I only pay for the horses.” Their next question for me usually is, “Don’t you like horses?” To which I respond, “No, I don’t like horses, but I like Kathy.” You see, I get a lot of joy out of doing what Kathy wants to do. I am willing to sacrifice my own pleasure to pursue what develops joy in our marriage. It’s not one-sided, Kathy does the same for me. 2. Forgiveness restores the standard. If you’ve been in a relationship for any length of time, then you know the honeymoon phase doesn't last forever. The person that you love and cherish at the deepest level is the same person that will stretch, challenge, and offend you. I learned this lesson years ago when my kids were teenagers. I became angry with Kathy in front of them and treated her disrespectfully. An hour later, I apologized, and she forgave me. Colossians 3:13 tells us that “Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive". The truth is, forgiveness restores the standard of holiness in us and through us. 3. It’s not bad if your spouse thinks differently than you. Men and women think differently, and this is metaphorically demonstrated in the way they were created. Please understand what I am trying to communicate here. I am not at all trying to dishonor either gender. I know that women and men are equally intelligent. When Kathy and I got married, I didn’t understand marriage or women at all. I was so ignorant that it wasn’t even funny. I just had no value for Kathy’s opinion, while we were making decisions, when she refused to produce the facts for her conclusions. She often prefaced her statements with phrases like, “I feel like...,” “It troubles me that...,” “I don’t feel good about that...,” and so on. But what I learned over time, as many of my great decisions began to turn into mistakes, was that her “It feels like” or “This troubles me” were often a lot more accurate than the so-called facts! As the years have rolled on, I have learned to invite the rest of me, and my other half, my wife, into all of my decisions. And she has learned the same thing. We were made to be together. We are one flesh, a mystery that continues to unfold with time. 4. Vision gives pain a purpose. It is my conviction that we are living in a generation perishing for lack of vision. This is evident in many different areas of life, but I also see it in marriages. Having a vision for your marriage will help you persevere through the harder seasons that you’ll face together. Many years ago I had a vision where I was standing next to this elderly gentleman and could see him perfectly, but the man could not see me. The older man was surrounded by children and grandchildren telling stories about the family's history, lineage, and favor with God. In the vision he said, “And all of this began with your great-great-grandmother and great-great-grandfather.” I looked up and above the mantle of the fireplace and there was a huge portrait of Kathy and me! The Lord spoke to me and said: “You are no longer to live for a ministry—you are to live to leave a legacy! Your children’s children’s children are depending on you leaving them a world in revival. From this day forward, you will live for a generation that you will never see. You are to have a one-hundred-year vision so that you can build from the future.” This vision of our future helped us in developing a strategy to apprehend God’s goals for our lives, and it was the fuel that kept us going in the harder seasons. Consequently, from that day on, we began to build from the future, as the Lord had said. Let me be clear: you don't have to have a literal vision like I did, but you should have a vision and a direction for the future! ​​Your marriage isn’t just about you, it’s about the generations that will follow. The truth is, the way you love, lead, and fight for your marriage today is building a legacy for your children and their children. So take time with your spouse, dream with God, and dream with each other. Get a vision for your family’s future! The breakthrough you experience now will impact the generations to come.
Show More

NEWSLETTER

Get free digital content from Kris with his weekly newsletter