Written by Rian Dickson (Sophomore at NHCC)
I had the honor of hearing Lisa Kai deliver this powerful word at Inspire Church in Waikele, Hawaii, this week while visiting for recruitment. Her heart and passion were undeniable—she carried a deep burden for young adults to truly hear this message. With conviction and urgency, she challenged us to lean into God’s voice rather than shy away from Him. Too often, we tune God out when His guidance doesn’t align with our desires, but Lisa reminded us that ignoring Him leads to spiritual numbness and blindness. This message resonated deeply, stirring a call to listen, respond, and fully embrace what God is speaking into our lives.
Have you ever ignored a text from a parent, pretending you didn’t see it? Or maybe you’ve declined a friend’s call because you weren’t in the mood to talk? Whether intentionally or subconsciously, we often do the same thing with God. We pray for guidance, but when His answer isn’t what we want, we tune Him out.
Even in Jesus’ time, many people witnessed His miracles firsthand, yet they still refused to believe.
John 12:37-42 (KJV) “But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him. Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue.”
Some believed in Jesus but stayed silent because they feared losing their reputation or status.
John 12:43-50 (KJV): “For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.”
Are we any different? When we refuse to share our testimony, when we stay silent about what God has done in our lives, we are tuning Him out. And when we repeatedly ignore Him, our belief starts to shift. Silence leads to complacency, and complacency leads to spiritual distance.
What Happens When We Tune God Out?
1. We Become Numb
When we repeatedly ignore God’s voice, we stop feeling the conviction of sin. Over time, this leads to justification of sinful actions.
Ephesians 4:19 (KJV) “Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.”
Isaiah warns about those who say the right things outwardly but whose hearts are far from God.
Isaiah 29:13 (KJV) “Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men.”
If we are not careful, our faith can become routine rather than relational. We must ask God to reveal areas where we have grown cold and allow the Holy Spirit to renew our hearts.
Psalm 139:23-24 (KJV) “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Psalm 51:10 (KJV) “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
2. We Become Spiritually Blind
Ignoring God also leads to spiritual blindness. We stop recognizing our pride, selfishness, and harmful habits. When we tune out His voice, we stop seeing His truth.
Psalm 119:18 (KJV) “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.”
The way to restore spiritual sight is to get back into God’s Word, engage in worship, and surround ourselves with people who will keep us accountable.
Have I Tuned God Out?
Maybe not completely, but are there areas in my life where I have chosen to ignore Him?
• Am I only listening to God when it’s convenient?
• Am I numb to His voice?
• Am I blind to the ways I’ve drifted?
• Have I chosen silence over boldness in sharing my faith?
God desires to speak to us, work in our lives, bless us, and pour out His love. But if we only listen when it’s comfortable—if we shut out the parts we don’t want to hear—we will never experience the fullness of what He has for us.
Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV) “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
God wants to speak. He wants to move. He wants to love us in ways beyond what we can comprehend. But we have to be willing to listen.
It’s time to stop tuning Him out. It’s time to surrender. It’s time to let Him in—fully.
