Articles
Hearing Aid
Hearing Aid
Joshua, a very bright 2-year-old, watched his mother baking cookies. He asked, “Please, may I have one?” “Not before supper,” his mother replied. Joshua ran to his room in tears, then reappeared with these words: “Jesus just told me it is okay to have a cookie now.” "Jesus did not tell me”, his mother replied. Joshua replied, “You must not have been listening, because that is what he said to me!”
Joshua’s motivation was wrong. His intent was to have a cookie. What He wanted, his mother refused to give. After selfishly going away to his room, he had “an experience” with Jesus and believed Jesus wanted him to have a cookie. Joshua’s experience with Jesus is parallel with the same attitude many display today when it comes to God’s revelation. They believe the Lord “spoke to them” with what they want. There is often a trial or personal need/want one has that triggers this “special revelation”.
There was another young boy named Samuel in 1 Samuel 3. He heard a voice as he was sleeping (v.1-14). God spoke in an audibly voice to Samuel to which Samuel said, “Speak, Lord, for your servant heareth” (v.10). His ability to discern His voice was his desire to hear God. He was not anxious, fearful, nor had a selfish desire for anything. He wanted to know what God wanted of him.
There is no question when God speaks to us today, we need to listen and seriously consider what he says. Someone may wish God would give a special sign or message to them to help them see and understand, yet God has already given His special message. It is His revealed word. “Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:17). God’s complete will has given the solution to every dilemma, trial, adversity, or decision we may face in life (2 Timothy 3:16,17). It will make us complete, if we would just abide in its teachings. What more can be added to something already complete?
Instead of waiting for a “special voice” from God, do we hear what God has already said? He has spoken to us by His Spirit through the holy scriptures. It may come from what you personally read yourself. It may come from the teaching of a friend. Have you been able to discern His voice above your own will? Can you hear the Lord above the cry of the world? Are you too busy to listen or hard of hearing? To hear what God says, you need a “spiritual hearing aid” – a mind of humility to hear the voice of the Father…
