I recently turned down a small TV interview about our church without even stopping to consider it. The invitation felt flattering, but didn’t feel from God. I explained why, with my arrogant past, I don’t trust myself to properly handle spotlight. I’m sure my response sounded absurd.
Speech Making
This morning, I quite randomly began mentally preparing a speech. What would I say about Jesus to a hypothetical ‘men’s ministry’ gathering?
These thoughts came completely unexpected, without any logical explanation. I caught myself and laughed at my mental exercise.
I’m not known for my great speaking abilities. No one has ever asked me to speak at a gathering like that. And I’m not exactly your stereotypical “men’s ministry guest speaker.” [Think athlete or military hero, beard, owns 6 firearms, kills his own meat, etc. 😀]
After realizing the absurdity of suddenly planning a speech no one asked me to give, I quickly moved on to other things.
A Surprise Phone Call
But 20 minutes later, I had a phone call. Someone is planning a Christian event for men next fall. They’d like me to share Renovation Community’s story during one of the speaking slots. I accepted, without even stopping to consider it. God already gave His answer.
Many thoughts feel totally random. My senses clearly inspire many other thoughts…a conversation, smell, touch, or sight creates a semi-predictable neurological chain reaction.
But I’ve found, when I’m listening closely, God also guides me with thoughts, words, and plans from Him.
The prophet Isaiah mentioned the “voice” guiding from behind. Jesus spoke of his voice guiding from out front.
Lousy Listening
Perhaps you feel like me…that you’ve spent more time listening to your own voice than God’s. God will forgive you as He forgave me this morning (and as He’s forgiven me countless times).
Never stop listening for God’s voice. He’s always speaking.
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”” Isaiah 30:21
“…he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.” John 10:4
“…the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things…” John 14:26