Listen
I remember one day I asked someone for their opinion about something I was going through and I immediately heard God say, “Don’t do that.” I had no business asking others for their opinion after God had already given me His answer to the problem. I immediately felt ashamed because it's not like I didn’t know that God had already warned me to be aware of others' opinions/voices trying to stray me away from my own or better yet His voice. At that moment, I let my anxiety get the best of me, causing me to lean on others. Later that day God reassured me that He wasn't ashamed or upset with my actions, but it did make me realize that I need to listen more. By asking for others' opinions when God already told me how to handle the situation allowed doubt to come in. The enemy will use others in your life as a distraction. When you value others opinions, it's almost as if saying you don’t trust God. See, God can give you the dream but not the details to get to the dream. If God TOLD you that He will give you your dream, then trust He WILL get you to it. It's not family or friends that will give it to you, it's all His doing. The trials/situations you face concerning your dream could be the very details into getting the promise. If God told us exactly when, how, where and why we get to have the things we want, there would be no point of hoping in Him. But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. (Romans 8:25)
I constantly have to tell myself that the place I am in now is exactly where I’m supposed to be. God will make sure I stay on the right path and if I do go astray, He will place me back. Ultimately, asking others for advice isn’t a bad thing, but if God already told you how to move about a certain situation, then that’s the best advice! If needed, God will place the people in your path on WHO you should go too. Every advice isn’t good advice, therefore God will give you discernment over all things.
Listen with an open ear because sometimes God may not always tell you what you want to hear. However, remember that God is love and everything he speaks to you is for your own good. “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights.” (Hebrews 12:6). The answer you seek may not be what you were looking for but God’s words are meant to build you up. It is up to you what you do with them-you can ignore them or respond with an embrace.
Look for opportunities everywhere to hear God speak. God does everything in His own timing. I know it can be frustrating when you pray about something constantly and still don’t hear anything, but God will answer right when you need Him. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (James 5:16). Sometimes you already have the answer right there in front of you, but you have to ask God to open your eyes to see it more clearly. Sometimes you have to get out of your own head to hear his voice more clearly also. When His voice comes, you will know it- it will bring you peace and assurance. It is up to you to keep His word in your heart and you have to protect what He’s instilled in you. The enemy wants you to doubt, be negative or discouraged but it's that still small voice that can keep you.
I pray that God keeps us all in His perfect peace. I pray that the enemy does not try to steal what the Lord has spoken over us. When it's time to listen, let us have an open heart and mind to hear what he is saying. I pray that when you call us, we will be ready to answer. I pray for protection, wisdom and guidance over our souls. For you said in Proverbs 1:33 Whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear or harm. Thank you Lord.
Amen.
Hebrews 12:11 - No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it
Proverbs 8:33- Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it
Proverbs 8:34- Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway
Proverbs 4:10- Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many
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