Tag: Listening to God

Are You Listening?

In the past God spoke to our ancestors at many times and in many ways through the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us in a son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he created the world.—Hebrews 1:1-2 (NET)

God is not silent. From the beginning, He has revealed Himself in countless ways: through creation, through the prophets, and ultimately through Jesus Christ. The stars in the night sky declare His majesty, and every breath we take is evidence of His sustaining power. But His greatest revelation came through His Son, who stepped into our world to make God known and to reconcile us to Him. God continues to speak today, not sporadically, but continually. If we don’t see it, it’s not because God isn’t speaking—it’s because we’re not listening.

Consider how Jesus often said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” It’s a challenge, not just to hear words, but to truly listen, to pay attention, and to respond. The Word of God isn’t static. It’s living and active (Hebrews 4:12). When we engage with Scripture, we encounter the voice of God. When we pray, the Spirit intercedes and communicates with us. When we gather with other believers, God often speaks through them to encourage and challenge us. Even creation itself points to His character and heart. The heavens declare His glory, the skies proclaim His craftsmanship (Psalm 19:1), and the intricate balance of nature reflects His intentional design. Jesus Himself said that if people were silent, the stones would cry out (Luke 19:40). The question is not whether God is speaking; the question is whether we have ears to hear.

If God feels silent to you, consider whether it’s time to realign your heart and mind. Make time to study His Word, seek Him in prayer, and allow creation to remind you of His presence. The God who created the universe, who spoke through the prophets, and who gave His Son to us is still speaking today. Will you listen?

The Power of the Ask

In Acts 8, we encounter the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, a passage that highlights the remarkable power of asking questions. Here, Philip receives a prompting from the Holy Spirit to go to a specific road where he encounters an Ethiopian official reading aloud from Isaiah. Rather than diving straight into a sermon or explanation, Philip begins with a simple question: “Do you understand what you are reading?” (Acts 8:30). This question opens the door to a life-changing conversation, as the eunuch’s curiosity and Philip’s obedience intersect at just the right moment.

Philip’s willingness to ask a straightforward question gives the eunuch an opportunity to express his need: “How can I [understand], unless someone guides me?” (Acts 8:31). From there, Philip shares the Gospel, leading the eunuch to faith in Jesus and immediate baptism. This story reminds us that sometimes the most profound ministry happens not through grand speeches, but through simple, Spirit-led questions that show a genuine interest in the other person.

In our own lives, we often underestimate the value of a question. A gentle, open-ended inquiry can open doors we didn’t even know were there. Philip’s example teaches us to be observant and sensitive to the Spirit’s prompting, looking for moments to engage with those around us. We don’t need to have every answer or a well-rehearsed speech; sometimes, a single question—one that shows care and sparks curiosity—is all that’s needed to start a transformative conversation.

Wherever we find ourselves, whether it’s in a coffee shop, workplace, or even on a casual walk, we are not there by accident. God places us in specific situations and brings us into contact with certain people for a reason. Like Philip, we’re called to be obedient to His leading, staying open to opportunities to ask the right questions. As we ask, listen, and respond, God can work through us in powerful ways to share His love and truth.

Embracing Correction

As a Little League coach, I teach kids the fundamentals of baseball. One day, while playing catch with my own son, I noticed that some of the harder thrown balls that came near his head caused him to flinch and close his eyes. I always ask him, “Will the ball still hit you if your eyes are closed?” He would say, “Yes,” and I would reply, “Then don’t close them!” This is critical because closing his eyes puts him at greater risk of danger, not less.

This simple lesson from baseball parallels the spiritual lesson in Micah 2:6-11. The Israelites were told not to prophesy about the hard truths, preferring to avoid the discomfort of God’s correction. Much like my son closing his eyes when a ball comes near, they wanted to close their ears to the rebuke and correction that was necessary for their safety and growth.

Why is it that we often want to avoid bad news, especially when it comes to correction or rebuke? It’s natural to prefer comfort and affirmation over discomfort and challenge. Hearing that we are on the wrong path, that our actions are leading to consequences, can be painful and humbling. The prophets in Micah’s time faced resistance because the people did not want to hear about their impending disgrace.

However, avoiding the truth doesn’t change the reality. Just as closing my son’s eyes won’t stop the ball from hitting him, ignoring God’s warnings won’t shield us from the consequences of our actions. In fact, it often places us in greater danger, as we remain blind to the necessary changes we need to make.

Avoiding correction is not just unwise; it’s dangerous. God’s rebuke, though hard to hear, is an expression of His love and desire for our well-being. Hebrews 12:6 tells us, “The Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Ignoring His correction means rejecting His love and guidance.

Furthermore, embracing correction leads to growth and righteousness. Proverbs 12:1 states, “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.” It is through acknowledging our faults and making necessary changes that we become more aligned with God’s will and receive His blessings.

Reflect on the areas of your life where you might be avoiding God’s correction. Are there truths you are reluctant to face because they are uncomfortable? Take time to pray and ask God to open your eyes to His guidance. Embrace His correction, knowing that it is for your ultimate good and growth. Remember: even if you close your eyes, the ball will still hit you!