ARE YOU LISTENING?
“He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
Matthew 13:9
God is always speaking but are we always listening?
I understand that life can be noisy. However, I have learned the importance of quieting myself before I respond or make any decisions. Not only that, but I’ve also learned how detrimental it is to seek wisdom from God before doing just about anything now. I can admit at times patience is a fruit of the spirit I’m not particularly eager to adhere to. Nevertheless, I am getting quite good at waiting. I have found with God, it’s always worth the wait.
“Are you listening to this? Really listening?”
Matthew 13:9 MSG
I consider this question quite often. Personally, of course, and I could give example after example of intricate details that had I not been paying attention/listening, I would have missed out on opportunities where blessings and protection followed. Ok, I’ll give you one example: I was about to make a huge purchase and I woke up out my sleep and remembered I had not consulted with the Father about whether or not it was even meant for me to have in the first place. Immediately, I got up out the bed and went straight into prayer. I made my request known and asked whether the answer was yes or no, give me peace. Not too long after that, I received a text that read “Are you excited about the wonderful things God is going to do today?” I responded by simply saying “Very!” “Well then, let’s go get it followed by the peace emoji, a heart, and praying hands. That quick I got my answer, my purchase was seamless, and I got what I wanted. Hallelujah!!!
“And the Lord came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!”
And Samuel replied, “Speak, your servant is listening.”
1 Samuel 3:10 NLT
I also wonder if the world is listening and noticing how God may be speaking as well. Before beginning to write, I always ask “What do You want me to say?” I was led to the story of Moses and the burning bush in Ephesians 3. In my Bible (She Reads Truth), commentaries are included giving a brief overview of the chapters. It was stated that it wasn’t until Moses noticed the burning bush that God spoke out of it. You won’t always hear an audible voice, but God will and can use anything to get our attention.
"Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge."
Proverbs 19:27
God is not silent. I’ve learned to discern His voice and pay attention to everything from the tiniest details to the quietest voices and even the chaos. It’s too important not to and I don’t want to miss not one thing stored up for me. More importantly, it could be the very thing that could save a life. Even greater, someone’s soul.
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."
John 10:27