Praying is a very vital part of living a life of faith. We pray that God will speak to us and that we will hear Him clearly, that we will discern His Spirit of wisdom and clarity. For we know our God is a God of peace in the midst of chaos. Therefore, we pray to hear His voice above the persistent, troubling noise of this world.
Although, we know that there are times when God is silent, He is still with us at all times in all seasons. He chooses to be silent for reasons we may not fully understand at the time. However, there are also times when He speaks very clearly. The problem for us is that it is not always what we want to hear. Sometimes, it is not the answer we were expecting. Other times, He may require us to do something first in order to grow, to be prepared for the answer. Then there are times when the answer is just packaged differently than we envisioned. Asking Him to speak, then not listening to discern His voice or simply choosing to ignore it because It is not what we expect will hinder our growth in our relationship with God.
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27
As followers of Jesus, we are to abide in Him, in His love and in the Word. It is through true intimacy with Him that we will know His voice, listen and obey. We cannot choose to only obey when it suits us, when it is in accordance with what we desire for ourselves. We must obey whatever our Lord has directed us to do. We must trust that He always knows what is best for us. He is the Good Shepherd Who leads us through this life, going before us, walking with us, lovingly guiding and strengthening us for all He has called us to do. He will most certainly equip us to carry out His plans and purposes according to His will.
We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. 1 John 2:3-6
I was praying a very specific prayer for months, crying out to the Lord for direction. I kept asking Him to please speak to me. If there is anything in the way of me hearing Him, any distractions, any outside influences, any sin that He would please reveal it to me so that I could ask for forgiveness, repent and hear Him clearly. Yet, He was speaking all along. He kept telling me two things but they were unrelated to my specific request, at least in my mind. He was looking for my obedience in an area where I could bless others, where I could draw others to Him. I needed provision in a specific situation. Yet, God was saying I am with You, I have given you power and authority to do these things in accordance with my word. You are not to shrink back. You are to be bold and courageous, a mighty warrior for the advancement of my Kingdom on earth. I did not fully understand what He was asking me to do but I knew He was speaking and I needed to listen intently. I needed to sit in His presence, abide in His love, soak in His word and continue to fast and pray fervently. I needed to worship Him and thank Him for being my good Father and for His immeasurable love, His infinite wisdom and His abounding grace. I needed to choose a spirit of contentment, gratitude and joy. I needed to break free from the spirit of complaining and be thankful to be alive, rescued, forgiven, redeemed, and set free.
Our God hears our prayers. He wants to have an intimate relationship with us, which requires a two-way conversation. We need to remember to come to the throne of grace with thanksgiving and with a surrendered heart, ready to hear what God has to say. Then we must choose to listen intently and obey no matter the cost, and without delay. We are His beloved children and He will never steer us in the wrong direction. That does not mean it will be easy. Sometimes the path is extremely difficult but it is always for our good and for His glory. Trust His ways are always better than ours. He is our Rock, our mighty Fortress, our firm foundation. When we choose to follow Him and obey Hisword, we will not allow the darkness, the chaos, and destruction of this world to distract, discourage or deter us from walking in the promises of God. There are many voices vying for our attention. Do not allow the influence of this world to keep you from hearing the voice of God and choosing His ways!
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on a rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against the house, yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” Matthew 7:24-25
We are God’s house and our firm foundation is Jesus, our Rock and Redeemer. We can stand firm in our faith against the deceptive ploys of the enemy. Armor up with the weapons God has given us, not with human tactics or the manipulative ways of the world.
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:3-4
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world ad against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:11-12
Heavenly Father, thank You for being so kind, loving and merciful to us. We worship You! Thank You for hearing our prayers and answering us according to Your will. We thank You that You answer with exactly what we need, for our good and for Your Glory. Thank You for Your Word that guides and strengthens us. Thank You for Your patience and Your mercy when we are distracted and don’t hear You. Forgive us Lord for the times that we have not obeyed. Lord, help us to seek You before all things and in all things, to live fully surrendered to You. Help us to not be conformed to the patterns of this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Help us to stand firm in faith and let nothing move us. We love You and we trust You, Lord. Have Your way! We give You all the praise, honor and Glory! In Jesus Mighty Matchless Name, Amen, Amen and Amen!
By Lanette Black, IWM Writer
