Are You Listening?

Long ago God spoke to the fathers by the prophets at different times and in different ways. In these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son. God has appointed him heir of all things and made the universe through him.

Hebrews 1:1-3 8:32 CSB

Have you ever noticed how God speaks in multiple ways when He is trying to get a point across to us? Often when I read scripture and God reveals a new truth, or reminds me of something He previously revealed and I have ignored, I begin to see the same truth in other ways.

Perhaps a friend mentions it in a small group. Then the same thing pops up in a Bible study I am doing. A few days later my pastor preaches on the topic. It is through the Holy Spirit that the Lord speaks, but He uses various ways to do that.

Last year, I experienced brokenness in a close relationship. It was painful and filled with much silence between us. But, God was not silent. He showed me over and over, through scripture and wise counsel, that He wanted me to learn to love unconditionally.

In the study Experiencing God, Henry Blackaby says the Lord wants us to hear from Him and know His will. He speaks through the Bible, prayer, circumstances and the church (believers). How He does that will look different to us at different times but He speaks.

So, how well are you listening these days? If you see a message several times and in various ways, how are you responding? If you aren’t hearing from Him, perhaps it’s because you haven’t done what He already told you. Why would He reveal new things if we ignore something He’s already said?

I want desperately to hear from Him, but I must be willing to act on what He says. Let’s pray for eagerness to hear Him, faith to act on what He says, and thankfulness for what He tells us.

Chris Adams

*Experiencing God, Henry Blackaby, LifeWay