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Listening To God


God speaks to us in many ways. Sometimes He communicates with us in an audible voice, or His voice may be heard in a spiritual manner, as an inner-voice, a significant thought. Sometimes we hear from Him in a single word, or several that just seem to come to us from out of no where.

A while back, I attended a men’s Christian encampment, there were many men there whom I did not know. For some reason,  one of the participants seemed to stand out from all the others. I could feel the Lord was telling me to pay special attention to this particular man, and I felt led to pray for him. I did, and I asked God to show me why He wanted me to pray for this stranger. Suddenly, three words came to my mind; spirit of fear. I had no idea why I was associating those three words with this man.

Later, as part of the program, we were all given an opportunity to pray aloud for something we wanted God to take away from us; an unpleasant memory, a past un-confessed sin, or whatever was keeping us from living as God intended. With all heads bowed in silient reverence, the man spoke out asking God to help him quit his smoking habit, and to take away his “spirit of fear.”  Coincidence? I don’t think so! I am convinced God was pointing this man out to me, and asking me to pray for what the man needed. I asked God to show me how to pray for this individual, and He did!

Nothing is more important, more necessay, or more rewarding than hearing God speak to us. However, to have a real conversation with God requires us to faithfully seek Him in prayer, then to be patient and listen. “Listening” can be difficult. I can get so busy at times, doing-for- God, I neglect to stop long enough to listen to what God may be telling me to do. I have to remind myself of this a lot. I only want to do what God wants me to do for Him, not what I want to do for Him.

(Deuteronomy 30:20) instructs us that we are to “…listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him. For the LORD is you life.” And, in (Hebrews 1:1-2) God assures us He speaks to us today; “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these days He has spoken to us by His Son.”  His speaking to us is always to benefit us – we are to listen and follow His voice obediently so that we may enjoy life as He intended. I am thankful He also calls us to serve Him in ways that are beneficial to our families, our friends, and even to a complete stranger!

So, stop, look, and listen for God’s voice. He wants to communicate with YOU.

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