I remember growing up riding in the car with my parents. I always wanted the radio on. We didn’t have music playlists on our phones like we do now. We didn’t even have cell phones. If we were fortunate, we had a tape player in our car where we could listen to our favorite artists. If not, you typically had a knob that you could turn from left to right and try to pick up a radio station. You had about three or four channels to pick from. Sometimes you would really have to adjust that knob just right to tune in. If you were going out of range, you would start picking up a lot of static. You would have to listen very hard to get that last bit of a good song in because other sounds and songs would somehow cross over what you wanted to hear.
Isn’t this the way it is with listening for God’s voice? We’re sitting there, trying to be quiet and all of a sudden, the grocery list starts going through our minds. OK. Get rid of that. Lord, I’m listening to you. Oh my goodness! What time is it? I have to pick up the kids at three. The list goes on and on. Every time you think you’re tuning in, some other static starts crossing through your mind. It’s very frustrating. Your intentions are good, but we are very human. Fortunately for us, the Lord’s voice is unmistakable. It’s like your favorite song on that old radio. You can tune out the static if you know what you’re listening for. “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27 NLT)
The disciple, Peter, heard the Lord’s voice so distinctly one evening, that he actually walked on water. “Then Peter called to him, ‘Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.’ ‘Yes, come,’ Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.” (Matthew 14:28-29 NLT) Wow! Now the story goes on to say that at some point, Peter started looking at the waves and the wind and began to sink. The other disciples in the boat may have been yelling for him to get back in. We’re not sure of every detail. We just know that he set an example to all of us. When he focused on Jesus, he was able to be strengthened by the Holy Spirit to do something supernatural. He listened through all of the static and did what was humanly impossible. When Jesus has something to say to you, don’t think for one second that there won’t be static. The enemy will make sure that he throws everything at you to keep you from intercepting what The Lord has to say.
The Bible has this to say about Jesus. “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him.” (John 1:1-3 NLT) Ahh! Jesus IS The Word. The world was spoken into existence. Obviously, if Jesus is speaking to you, this is extremely important. His Words change atmospheres. His Words change circumstances. His Words can change your very life. Listen for Him intently. Know that there will be “static” but stay the course. The more you familiarize yourself with His voice, the easier it becomes to tune out the rest.
He’s got plans and purposes for you. He wants you to have an abundant life through Him. Every player on a team has to be Coached. Make sure you meet with your Coach frequently. Get the details despite all of the distractions the enemy throws your way. The Lord wants your breakthrough to happen. You can and will do supernatural things, just like Peter, when you get dialed in.
Today’s writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband Robby and cat Harold.
