Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him. Deuteronomy 30:19-20
One of the most beloved stories in history is the birth of Jesus. This great news was first communicated directly by God, through the angels who visited Mary and Joseph before Jesus was born. The shepherds came to see Jesus and His earthly family when they witnessed a host of heavenly angels proclaiming the event. The Magi followed a star as they watched God’s work in the heavens; then, in a dream, God directed them to a different way home. God sent an angel to Joseph warning him to take Mary and the Baby Jesus to Egypt to escape Herod’s murderous attempts; then the angel came to Joseph in a dream when it was time to return to the land of Israel.
It is difficult to understand the concept of ‘a vision.’ Is a vision a waking dream, a trance, a full dream while we’re asleep, a voice from behind us as we are walking down the road, or a brilliant white light opening up heaven before us? Will we recognize His voice when it rings clearly?
God’s voice could come clear and strong in answer to a sincere prayer in the middle of the night. Maybe His voice is a little tickle in the back of our mind that gives us the need to call a friend, or give a little unasked-for monetary gift, or send a card in the mail. We hear God’s voice in the cry of a baby, or the whisper of the wind, or the beautiful music and the voice of a friend in Sunday morning worship.
It’s important to listen for God’s voice because He is omniscient and ever-present everywhere. He knows what each of us needs lifetimes before we need it. We have no way of knowing when the card we mailed will be delivered, but God knows when the receiver needs it. God has the ability to use each of us to provide for our loved ones. Perhaps even more importantly, God can use us to share His love with people we do not know; this is our 2016 goal in The Kindness Project.
There is only one prerequisite for hearing God’s voice: You must truly listen for it. Giving your life fully to Christ Jesus and Father God is dependent upon listening for His voice. It requires an open mind and a willingness to give up what you think of as yourself in order to be the person God created you to be.
Sue Gibbons, Administrative Assistant for the Worship Team
