Listen, Obey, Trust - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) August 12, 2022

When the Lord speaks to you, it is imperative that you obey Him fully.

That statement makes sense to you, right? There's nothing complicated about it, correct? Yet, we each neglect to actually apply the statement in our everyday life. Or am I the only one?

This week, I was in a tough situation. I felt unwell, needed to sleep and all around me was chaos. As is my normal, I took a second and spoke to the Lord asking Him whether or not I should do something. In His kindness, He told me to do what I asked about. But, what did I do? I second-guessed what I'd heard. I chose, instead, to rely on my own understanding rather than the word of the Lord. In fact, I did what others would consider normal, ignoring that my God works in supernatural ways.

What was the result? More chaos. And, at the end of the day, I was frustrated and tired.

Nevertheless, the Lord helped me understand a few basic things. First, when the Lord talks to you, listen (James 1:19). Take the time you need to hear His voice and if you need clarity, don't hesitate to ask more questions. Second, when the Lord talks to you, obey. God is very efficient with His word so no word He speaks will ever be wasted (Isaiah 55:11). Therefore, if He says something, do that something. Third, when the Lord talks to you, trust. Trust is a crucial element in obedience. It requires one to move in faith even when what the Lord has said makes no sense and others think God's way is ridiculous.

Now, if you are wondering whether or not God speaks to people, please believe me - He does. God's voice is audible and can be heard by individuals today the way Abraham heard that voice. The way Paul heard. God talks to people all day long and wants to speak to each of us more than we realize. God also speaks to people through the Bible and in so many other ways. If you are yet to hear the Lord speak to you, please pray to hear Him. It is that voice that guided David, giving him war strategies to overcome his enemies. God's voice edified the apostles in the New Testament. Jesus Himself listened to and complied with the voice of the Lord. If it was good for Him, then you know that same voice is great for you.

Please don't make my mistake of not listening to the Lord by doing what He said. If, however, you neglect to obey and trust the Lord's word to you, please repent for your disobedience. I did and received understanding of many things. While I wish I hadn't made such a 'rookie mistake', I thank the Lord for the privilege of being able to pray for forgiveness and receive it from Him. That same mercy is available for all of us, praise God!!

See you at Noon EST! May the Lord bless you.