Q & A Round 3!

Listening is a critical part of any relationship.  In fact, often before heading into a time of conversation, I pray that I would listen more than I speak!  Listening is hard.  It’s very different from “hearing”.  I can hear you speak, but not take in any of the content of that sound.  Whoosh!  Over my head…or in one ear and out the other!  

How do we listen for God?  It’s not quite like sharing tea across the table from an “in-the-flesh” friend.  Read on to discover how B.N., B.L. and E.N. describe listening for God.

“When I first devoted my life to Christ, I consistently prayed that God would speak to me in an audible way.  Today, I realize the ways that He ‘speaks’ to me every day. Nature PROCLAIMS his beauty, the Bible EXPRESSES His love for me and the Holy Spirit PROMPTS me what to do in specific moments.” B.N. 

“Lots of ways! Nature – seeing his creativity exploding all over a sunset or his care in the colouring of a sparrow.  Reminders that his care is infinite. 

Reading the Bible; words written; Holy Spirit illuminated. 

Church services; teaching, worship songs – all things planted in my Sunday soil, waiting to germinate throughout the week. 

People around me. Some have a deep relationship with God and have Spirit-led words of wisdom. Others might not know God but they have wisdom too.” B.L.

“God uses subtle nudges and “heart pokes” to speak to me in seasons when I'm faced with uncertainty or need direction from the Spirit. Whether it be His voice speaking through a friend, an unexpected encounter with a stranger, or a gift of encouragement from His word, I feel I’ve tuned my heart to hear His voice and recognize those moments of connections as Him showing up for me. “ E.N.

I resonate so much with all these responses.  One additional way I listen for God can be found in my blog post “A Good Soak”.

Please feel free to share your own ideas in the comments!  I’d love to explore more ways to listen for my Maker.