Why do we sometimes blur the lines between good and evil, especially when faced with adversity? We begin to question the goodness of God and seemingly can’t see how God is leading us during dark times.
The Bible is unequivocal in its message (John 10): Jesus came to destroy the devil’s works. He combated and brought freedom everywhere he encountered the devil’s destruction – sickness, despair, poverty, or broken hearts – he combated and brought freedom.
But life’s pitfalls, those dark valleys, and particularly the deep pits, can sometimes cloud our understanding. In these moments of profound challenge, we might feel distant from God and consider reshaping our theology based on our experiences. However, holding onto the unwavering truth of the Word of God is crucial.
Jesus Provides
In our darkest hours, we must never forget the light and hope that Jesus provides.
Throughout the Gospels, we see that Jesus didn’t merely spread messages of hope – he demonstrated them. In ways that sometimes confounded the mind, like touching a man’s tongue or using spittle in his miracles, Jesus frequently challenged conventional thinking. He wasn’t simply performing miracles; he was breaking barriers and expectations.
While perplexing to some, this approach serves as a reminder that God’s methods might offend our logical minds to reveal the true nature of our hearts. It’s a test of faith, a journey that requires us to step beyond our comfort zones, challenging our preset beliefs to experience His divine power truly.
Today, we must make that quality decision to stand firm in our faith, regardless of the circumstances surrounding us. We must recognize that God is always good, and the devil embodies evil. These two forces never intertwine. Remember, the Word of God is our unshakable foundation. With it, we can navigate any challenge, discern His will, and be assured of His guiding hand throughout our journey.
The Power of One Word
When Peter saw Jesus walking on water, he longed to do the same. All it took was one word from Jesus: “come.” Peter didn’t simply walk on water; he walked on the word. As long as his focus remained on Jesus, he defied nature. But the moment doubt crept in as he noticed the stormy winds, he began to falter. Yet, Jesus, in his unending kindness, was there to save him.
This teaches us that with a divine word or direction, we are capable of the unimaginable.
Many of us yearn for that divine guidance, seeking prophetic voices and hoping to hear directly from the heavens. The allure of a charismatic, prophetic voice fills seats in congregations, with everyone eager for a personal message. While these gifts of the Holy Spirit are treasured, we can’t forget that Jesus has promised to guide each of us throughout our lives. Don’t be trapped by believing you cannot hear His voice.
Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice,” emphasizing that those who follow Him will never be led astray.
In our early faith journey, we may anticipate hearing God in a dramatic, audible manner, awaiting a booming voice from the skies. But, in reality, God communicates with our spirit. While our minds, influenced by past experiences, biases, and emotions, might cloud our perception, our spirit remains pure and reborn in the image of Jesus.
It’s through our spirit that the Holy Spirit communicates, offering guidance, solace, and love. We need only to listen with our heart and soul, embracing His words and allowing them to shape our path.
The Holy Spirit Will Guide You
Psalms 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.”
You need to memorize this verse and say it out loud. No matter what you feel like, say it, believe it, confess it, and make this part of your identity that the Lord is good and that
he promised in his word.
Does this seem like a distant, far-off God?
No, this is a close, loving, intimate God. This is dad. This is him saying, “I will instruct you. I love you. I will teach you in the way you should go. I’m going to guide you with my eye.
Nothing Is Impossible With God
In Luke chapter 1, we read the incredible account of the angel Gabriel coming to Mary, the mother of Jesus, announcing to her that she bring forth a Son. This Son would be called Jesus, and the Son of the Highest, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom, there will be no end.
Her response was what anyone’s response would have been, “How can this be…?
And then, in Luke 1:38, Gabriel says, “With God, nothing shall be impossible.”
In this passage, when it says, “With God, no thing shall be impossible,” it emphasizes that no word or promise spoken by God will be void of fruition. God seeks to sow the seeds of His word in our hearts, aiming to bear fruit. We’re faced with a choice: either embrace His promise with faith, letting it take root, or doubt and dismiss it, effectively negating its potential. When God whispers His promises into our spirit, it’s an invitation to be a part of something miraculous.
However, our human tendencies often lean towards skepticism. How many times have we questioned the greatness of His plans, wondering if He could truly bring forth miracles in our lives? Yet, if Mary, at a mere 15, could wholeheartedly accept the astonishing promise of bearing God incarnate, shouldn’t our faith be steadfast in His smaller promises for us?
Every word God shares is infused with the intrinsic power to realize itself. Embracing this faith, let us close our eyes and commit to trusting His words, knowing that His intentions for us are grounded in love, purpose, and assurance of fulfillment.
How Do You Activate The Voice Of the Lord?
Isaiah 58:11 says, “The LORD will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.”
One of the best ways to activate the voice of the Lord in your life is to ask God questions.
It’s been said, and I find it to be accurate, that God almost rarely, if ever, offers up information.
David inquired of the Lord he asked. The Bible says he’s a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. And that word seek means to inquire.
Sometimes, He will interrupt like he did with Mary, but most of the time, He won’t come and just interrupt you. You have to inquire, you have to ask. And I found that whenever I ask, He rarely answers right away.
You ask on Sunday night, and it’s like crickets, and then suddenly, you’re doing your laundry on a Wednesday evening, and He just drops it inside your spirit.
It’s set up this way because we serve a God who uses faith as a currency. Faith is the currency of heaven. And when you ask and inquire, you can’t do that without using faith.
Anybody can say, “Well, if God wants it, it’ll just happen and He’ll come.” And you put all of it on God.
Fine Tuning Your Hearing
To increase in the Word of the Lord, you must read the Word of the Lord. To hear the Word of the Lord in your spirit, you have to get into the Word of the Lord.
Jesus said that man should not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. The Bible says, “Council is in the heart of man like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.”
The more you fill this well up with the Word of God, the more the Lord will have to work with you. He will use the Word of God, the written Word of God, but then He’ll talk to you about what to do next in your life.
He will whisper to you about what’s around the corner. He will speak to you and let you know if you should move or not. He will talk to you about your destiny and your future.
Be open. Trust God for His suddenlies. I’m reading through the Gospel of Mark with my son, and every few verses are the words suddenly. And I love it.
A nine-year-old asks, “Why, why is suddenly so much?” I’m like, “God’s trying to get something through to you, through every reader. He suddenly comes. It’s one way, and then suddenly it’s another way.
It’s like those in the upper room waiting on the Lord on the day of Pentecost, and suddenly, there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind.
We don’t deserve to hear the voice of the Lord. But the blood of Jesus qualifies me and makes me worthy. Hallelujah.
Keep your ears open and listen for the Lord’s voice. He wants to speak to you.
PRAYER:
May the Lord embrace you. May you experience His intimacy. May you hear daily from heaven and receive fresh bread from heaven’s bakery every day. In Jesus’ name, be blessed.
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