Journey Group Devotional, 10/23/15
My Sheep Hear My Voice
Imagine this: You are in a crowded store pushing your shopping cart, just minding your own business. Then a stranger walks up and says, God told me to give this to you. Then they hand you a one hundred dollar bill. Your reaction would probably be one of surprise, questions, doubt and maybe even a little fear. You would be thinking, ”what’s the catch? Is this a trick? Is the money counterfeit? Am I on Candid Camera? OK, I just dated myself!
Honestly, would you really believe GOD told them to give you $100, or would you think they are a little bit off their rocker? GOD… speaking to somebody… Yeah, right…. It wouldn’t be long before the authorities would show up and take that unusual person away – in a straight jacket. Who in their right mind would really think that GOD was talking to them? Yet, Jesus said in John 10:27:
My sheep hear My voice…
Let that sink in. Jesus, God in the flesh (John 1:14), speaks to His sheep (Christians), and they will hear Him. Really!
Now He may not tell you to give away one hundred dollar bills – but He might lay it on your heart to do something even more unusual. He could tell you to go across the street and show your neighbor some undeserved kindness. He might say to forgive that unkind person at work. He just might lead you to financially support a ministry. He might just say turn off the TV and spend some quality time with your family.
So how does that happen? How does God speak today? There are a number of ways. God speaks through:
- His Word – the Bible – see Psalm 119:105
- Our circumstances – Psalm 37:23
- Other people – Proverbs 15:22
- The Holy Spirit – Ezekiel 37:14
- His still small voice urging us to do – or not do – see I Kings 19:12
So, have you heard the voice of the Lord? Has God ever spoken to you? Are you listening for His voice? Even during seasons of silence (Psalm 109:1), we need to be patient and wait on the Lord (Isaiah 40:31). In His perfect timing He will speak, and it will be exactly the right message. That’s what Journey Group members are learning. Remember, Jesus said:
