I confess to be envious of others from time to time.
For example, Jo & I were driving back from church camp after visiting some of our high school students, when she asked me about a certain situation that we were both familiar with and if I was jealous. I told her no because that doesn’t “float my boat.” “What I am envious of,” I told her, was “the handling of his money, that he could do what he is doing because of it.” There are other circumstances involved, or course, but I am not jealous.
What I have envied, in many way, are those who “hear” from God and change course or maybe take a certain action because of it. Like Acts 16:6 where Paul wanted to go to visit the churches in Asia Minor but was forbidden by the Holy Spirit. To be honest, part of me says, “Why would God forbid that? I mean, Paul had the Good News of Jesus but was told no.” Makes no sense to me but there it is in black and white. Why? Well…I don’t know. But I don’t have to. God does.
Paul listened. I want to be that open to the leading of the Holy Spirit so I can recognize His voice. Each time I get on my bike to head out for a ride, I say a short prayer: “Lord, protect me as I ride. Keep the drivers alert and me also. Let me “hear” Your voice, Your warning, if I need to get off the road to avoid getting hit.” I hope that never has to happen but I want to hear His voice of warning if it does. Been hit; don’t want to go there again.
One of my daily prayers is “God, speak to me through Your Word.” The key is to be ready to hear and obey. Have you ever “heard” God’s voice of warning or direction?
Good Morning, Bill. Yes, specifically in moving to NC from Long Island. In obedience, I closed up all my ministries, said goodbye to everyone and everything I knew, packed, and got down here in three weeks’ time from when He told me. That was four years ago. And He has been leading me every day since. Obedience cost me everything I knew. Without understanding the whys and what lay ahead, I chose to obey. Oh, how blessed I am – so much healing from trauma I never would have received on Long Island. I’ve never second-guessed my decision nor desired to “go back to Egypt”. This truly is my “Promised Land”. It was His perfect Will and Leading. Look at Jesus and His Garden of Gethsemane moment. His Soul had to work out His Willingness to obey His Father and go to the cross. We all come to our own Garden of Gethsemane moments if we want to obey God’s leading of our lives. It is so worth it!
Good morning to you Diane! It is good to hear from you again. I am glad you were “listening” when He said pack up and go. Your track is a perfect example of how God is always true to His Word and will lead us where He deems best. Finding healing and hope and renewed confidence and faith in God are perfect reasons to sing His praises. Going back to Egypt is never a good option and I’m glad you know and see that. Like you said, obeying is some painful but well worth it.
Living in vacation land (Florida) and being called back to Indiana in the middle of winter was not on the radar, but when God spoke, thankfully, I listened. He shared with me WHAT needed to happen.
Without a secure job, with a wife and 3 kids, without and guaranteed place to stay, I turned in my notice. Only after I took that step of faith did God begin to reveal the HOW it would happen. After finally getting relocated, we can see the WHY it needed to happen.
Often times we want to to know the details before moving forward… sometimes God simply says leave the details to Him.
Going from Florida to Indiana in winter was quite a shock to the system. I remember when we first met. I also remember that first rental in Elletsville. but I’m also a fan of watching God move in your lives (and in mine) by bringing you back here. Thanks for listening.
Lord, keep me mindful (my word of the year) of your voice and your urgings to me as to where to go and how to proceed so that I can align with Your will.
Blessings, Bill!
That has to be a daily prayer Martha. What a change it can make in our lives if we are mindful.
Yes I have Bill, when I moved here actually, God lined up so many things I knew exactly who was in charge. I had some other plans in mind, but as soon as I saw God’s hand moving, I knew that He was going to be right. The other big thing was a coworker who God kept putting in my path. It was not exactly the person I wanted to be friends with. I cannot go into all the details here, but when she called to ask me to pray for her and she knew she could count on me to do so. I thought God I am not equipped to handle all of this, and God started handing the tools I needed. I can tell you the whole stories sometime Bill. God is amazing and to anyone who doesn’t think God watches over all the details, they are ones not paying attention, God is all about details.
I would LOVE to hear that story Gail. Gonna have to sit down and hear it someday. I’m glad you were open to His leading and found your way to OVCF. Your prayer support is so vital.
I surely echo your prayer to hear God’s voice. Many times, He has prompted me and spoken to my spirit, and I have learned that it is in my best interests to obey quickly and mind His nudges. He sees everything. We only see such a limited view in front of us. I pray He always protects you on your bike and brings you safely home every single time, in Jesus’ name, Pastor Bill.
I pray that I will always be sensitive to God’s voice, no matter the situation. And I deeply appreciate your prayers for my safety Cheryl (and I know Jo would say thanks also). 🙂