“Can you hear Me?”

Recently, me and three other squad mates decided to go on a fast lasting a total of just over two days. The only thing that entered our bodies in that time was water along with the air we breathed. And toothpaste, because hygiene is important! I usually fast when I am having trouble focusing on God or what scripture says and applying it to my life, or carrying out the will of the Lord through obedience. This was the perfect opportunity for me to focus back on the voice of the Lord, and no doubt did He speak.  

For the past week and a half overall, the presence of the Lord has been undeniable. I spent a week serving in Louisiana doing disaster relief and comforting homeowners, and have even gotten to see some of the fruit produced by that week. I’ve come back and gone through some courses on knowing, owning, and changing the story in regards to history and racial reconciliation. As I said, the presence of the Lord in this time is undeniable. The whole week at points it has literally felt like He has literally been sitting beside me in the van, or while I work, or while I engage in worship with the squad. 

But, although I have felt and continue to be aware of His presence, I had also noticed that hearing His voice and discerning had become extremely difficult. So long story short, I decided to fast for two days to intentionally take time to hear his voice. Scripture says “He who has ears, let him hear…” and I prayed relentlessly that the Lord would speak and that I would hear His voice. 

He told me in essence that I was perfectly able to hear His voice, but that I was rejecting His words. Whether it be the Bible itself, or the spoken word of a member of my squad, I truly realized that I must allow the Lord to speak the way He desires. I cannot only listen to Him through a certain filter – my filter. Rather, I must seek Him with an open set of ears and a heart that is ready to receive. 

Here is what I’ve learned: that our ears must be in tune to the voice of God and be open to the way he delivers his words. If I am only listening to the audible voice of the Father, then I will miss every other expression of love that He wants to bless and lead me with. I give all glory to God and give thanks for his never ending grace! He is so good! 

So no I must ask, can you hear Him? Are you listening? Sometimes its the simple things.