Learning to Recognize God's voice
I have always had this question mark in my heart about how exactly we know when God is
speaking to us. Perhaps it also happened to you, you are so sure that God is leading you to do some thing, you are so sure that the decision you are about to make came from the Father's heart, but then you see all your plans going wrong and you can't understand why. You question God, why God? why? I thought it was you. Why it didn't work out?
I believe many times we just don't wait long enough but just hurry in our decision, other times we just don't wait long enough to see the good results. But I am learning that God speaks to us in a very smooth voice, persistent though. When we keep ourselves so busy we miss out that calm voice speaking in our heart, giving us peace about the right thing to do, whatever it may be.
This morning before I even get up from bed, I began to have those frustrating feelings, it is like everything I do goes wrong, it is like I pray and pray over and over again but nothing happens. I was feeling really frustrated, almost like disappointed with God. I decided though, as my obligation as a Christian, read the Bible first thing in the morning and that's what I read: Job 7:21 " And why do You not pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity? For now shall I lie down in the dust; and [even if] You will seek me diligently, [it will be too late, for] I shall not be." I have the Amplified "every day life Bible" with notes and commentaries by Joyce Meyer. This verse that was just cited above comes with the following word:"Passing the frustration test"
"I cannot imagine anything more frustrating to Job than suffering as much as he did and never knowing why. We all experience frustration. It usually comes from trying to do something about a situation we cannot do anything about. We get frustrated because it seems things are taking too long, our task is too hard, or no one is willing to help us. We get frustrated because the money we need is not coming in, or the aches, pains, and burdens we have prayed to be removed from us keep going on and on.
I know what frustration is like because I spent a lot of years frustrated. I knew nothing of the grace of God. I have since discovered that when I get frustrated, it is almost always because I am trying to make something happen instead of waiting on the Lord to bring it to pass. My frustration is a sign that I am acting independently.
In order to pass the frustration test, we have to let go and trust God to do what only He can do. We have to let God be God.
Are you frustrated with your spiritual growth? Do feel that you will never change? Does it seem that the more you pray and seek God, the worse you get? Are you wrestling with some specific area of you personality that is causing you problems, or are you dealing with some specific bondage in your life? If so, the reason you are getting so frustrated may be that you are trying to change yourself rather than trusting God to change you. The minute you sincerely say, "Lord, I can't do this, so I let it go," you can almost feel the frustration lift right off you.
God is the only One Who can make things happen for you. He is the only One Who can bring the things you want and desire into you life. He is the only One Who can open doors of ministry for you; trying to knock them down on your own will not do you any good. The more you try to make your own way, the tighter the doors will stay closed. But when you do things God's way, suddenly He can open significant doors for you and do it so quickly that you will be amazed. You can end up running, trying just to keep up with God and all the good opportunities He is giving you. So do not give in to frustration. Wait on God, and you will see awesome results. "
When I read that word it just came to my heart how God cares so much about me and my feelings that He gave me that word to encourage me and help me enjoy my day. And this has happened to me before. There are times that God uses different sources, like TV, radio, preachers, music, books, etc, to say the same thing for weeks or months to call my attention. God still speaks to us today and He will do so in that little voice in you heart, but He is persistent, if you don't give ears to Him, He will find a way to call your attention that you will listen because He wants to guide you in all the way and is His desire for you to be blessed so you can be a blessing for others.
by Priscila Marin
Resource: The Everyday Bible
