God Speaks
We live like he doesn’t anymore. Like callings to a new land were only for Abraham. And burning bushes were just for Moses. And pillars of clouds were only for the Israelites. Like leaving all your possessions behind was just for the rich man. And risking your life to save your people was only for Esther.
But maybe we’re just not listening. What if our calendars, satisfied bellies, and comfortable homes keep us from leaving? From seeing the bush in flames. From following the cloud in front of us. From walking away from the things that hold us captive. From boldly approaching the throne to make a request.
What if God doesn’t speak because we don’t hear?
Well, I’ve started listening. Through prayer and fasting I am committed to denying my flesh and awakening my spirit with the very goal of listening to God.
And he has spoken! Three times he has spoken a name to me. I’ve heard it. Doubted it. Questioned it. Wondered what it means. Asked for it be clarified. Shared it with others. Prayed more about it.
It’s the name of an orphan. A name I don’t particularly love, but now that I’ve heard God speak it, it’s become the sweetest little name I’ve ever heard.
Some of you know the story. I ask that you not mention the name if you comment on this post. It’s certainly not a private story, but there’s too much not yet revealed for me to mention it in such a public way.
The point of me sharing this isn’t to announce something our family is being called to. For we’re still unsure of God’s will. My intention in these words is to proclaim an active God, moving among his people. Leading them. Speaking to them. Sharing his heart with them. Calling them to his purposes.
He’s a God who knows the orphans by name! And if you stop to hear him, he might whisper one of those names to you. The real question isn’t whether you’re willing to listen, it’s what will you do once you’ve heard it?
I’m trying to rest in this place of unknown. I desperately want to respond with an available spirit and trusting heart. For I don’t want to miss out an opportunity that God is placing before us. Because being in the very center of God’s will is the best place I’ve ever been. Even when it’s risky. Even when it hurts. Even when it looks different than how I would do it.
I pray that God’s voice is the loudest and clearest in your life. May it pierce the darkness of the world. May it cut through the noise of our busy life. May it be heard through the laughter of children. May it drown out the lies you believe about yourself. May it rise above your selfish desires. May it spur your heart toward faithful living.