Spending many of my last posts telling of where I see Jesus, I have realized recently that I don’t spend enough time listening to Him. Seeing God is good, but it is almost as a bystander, not a participator. More than once, I have told my daughter that a lot of people spend a lot of time reflecting on and talking about their views on how life should be, but they are not active participators in this journey. Their feet are not bloodied and bruised for the wear of the road. I say “they” not in an accusatory manner, but to describe to you how I am doing somewhat of the same thing, if I don’t listen and follow. I see and I feel, but if I’m not listening and following, I am just a bystander and not really participating in the God-ordained purpose for my life. Seeing is passive but listening and following require some serious steps of obedience.
I have spent a good part of my life wishing I had prayed something over more and listened to God in the first place. It might have spared some pain and undesirable consequences. Maybe I have to get to a point where I have had enough of my own failures and am willing to let God be God over all of me. Just when I think I am ready to turn it all over, I find another area where I am still holding on.
Today, I listened. I sat at His Feet. I prayed, but more importantly, I sat and I waited. Truth be known, I am still waiting. I laid it all out and just said, “Lord, You know.” And I wasn’t in a hurry. I rested in knowing that He is Lord over it all, and I have nothing to offer but to empty myself to be filled with His Spirit to be of any use at all in the Kingdom.
As I rest, and wait, and listen, the still, small Voice becomes more audible, more followable.
“Speak, Lord, in the stillness,
While I wait on Thee;
Hush my heart to listen
In expectancy.
Speak, O blessed Master.
In this quiet hour;
Let me see Thy face, Lord,
Feel thy touch of power.” (May E. Grimes)