Listening for God’s Voice
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21
A counsellor who was once an addict writes: ‘I was in treatment for chemical dependency and needed a job to get out. I looked for months, but nobody wanted to hire me. One day I was waiting for a bus when a little voice urged: “Look behind you.” I was standing next to an attorney’s office. “Go talk to the head of the firm and tell him you need a job,” were the words I heard. That’s crazy, I thought…but that “still, small voice” urged me on, so I obeyed. When I talked to the attorney and told him what was happening in my life, he understood because someone in his family was also recovering from addiction. Then he looked at me and said, “It’s funny you came in today. I was thinking about creating a position for a legal secretary and hadn’t gotten around to advertising.” Two weeks later I got the job, and it was better than any position I’d applied for. It paid more and made the best possible use of my skills.’ The problem isn’t that God no longer speaks to us; it’s that we don’t recognize His voice. Don’t be so quick to dismiss the random thoughts that cross your mind (see 1 Corinthians 2:16). Generally speaking, God won’t send a thunderbolt from heaven to get your attention. More often He speaks through your thoughts, a family member, a friend, a teacher, a pastor, a change in your circumstances, the sudden discovery of the ‘perfect’ Scripture, the writing of a gifted author, or in the quietness when He fills your heart with perfect peace. So learn to listen to God’s voice.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me listen to Your soft voice. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
So true so true!! I never understood someone when they proclaimed that God had spoke to them and they were going to do or act on something because of it. I was always like really? Did you hear His voice? How did he communicate to you? Since those times I’ve tried to recognize the moments when He has spoken to me. Once was telling me my son was working in the wrong environment, but I didn’t listen. It cost him a few years of frustration. Another time I was asked to say a prayer after the offering was collected at church. I struggled over coming up with a prayer, until I decided to look for an answer in the bible. I opened the bible randomly and it opened to a scripture verse telling me the Holy Spirit will guide you in prayer, and it did!
Thanks for the Inspiration!
So relevant and a great reminder of God’s often gentle nudging 🙂