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Listening and waiting

Melanie - October 22, 2008

I had never had the opportunity to hear Priscilla Shirer speak until I went to Deeper Still Atlanta. I'd heard that she was great and assumed it must be true because it's not like they ask just anyone to get on stage with Beth Moore and Kay Arthur.

For instance, I haven't been asked.

Which is a good thing considering I have a touch of the stage fright.

Anyway, Priscilla took the stage that night and talked about when God takes you into the wilderness. I knew in the first two minutes that I absolutely wanted to do one of her Bible studies. God used her to speak right to my heart.

So this fall my Bible study group decided to do "Discerning the Voice of God" by Priscilla. We specifically chose this study because we all agreed that we struggle to hear the voice of God in our lives and wanted to hear Him more clearly.

For me personally, I always wonder if what I'm hearing is God's voice or just some random thoughts in my head. I've always been hesitant to act on certain things because I get caught up in my fear of hearing something wrong.

One of Priscilla's main points that has stuck with me is that intimacy is the foundation for getting to know God. If I'm not spending time in His word and listening for His voice, then I'm going to miss out.

I need to wait expectantly for His voice, not hoping I will hear it, but KNOWING I will hear it. When I expect to hear Him, I will be more patient knowing He will come through in His time.

And yes, sometimes His timing isn't the timing I would like. There have been so many times that I've gotten a promise from Him and I'm ready to see that promise fulfilled sooner rather than later, like maybe yesterday.

But that's not how He works. Just ask Abraham. God told Abraham that he'd have a son, but Abraham and Sarah thought they should help God out by getting Hagar involved. (Gen. 21:1-2)

Oh, how many times have I been delusional enough to think I was going to help God out by working on my own plan while I wait on His? More than my pride would like to admit.

And ultimately, obedience is the key to hearing His voice.

I need to work on my obedience, even when He says something I don't really want to hear. I need to work on my patience, even when I'm ready to see things start to happen.

"Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for the Lord."
Psalm 27:14

Category: Thoughts