160. LEARN TO LISTEN TO GOD John 16:13.

In (John 16:12-13) We read about Jesus talking to His disciples this way: “I have much more to say to you, but right now, it would be more than you could understand. The Spirit shows what is true and what is to come and He will guide you into the full truth”. Jesus spoke these words to the men He had just spent the previous three years with. Now, wouldn’t you think if Jesus was with us here in person, day and night for three years, we would have learned all there is to know. Not so!, In fact, Jesus tells us to stay tuned because He always has something to say to us about every situation we face, but there are certain things He will only reveal to you and me when He knows we are ready to handle them God wants to speak to you and me on a one-to-one bases, to lead us step-b-step in to the good things He has in store for us, He cares about the tiniest details of our lives. So never hesitate to take what you consider small things to Him, after all, everything is small to God. He cares about the desires of your heart. He wants to reveal truth to us,that will set us free. From fear and worry. God’s plan to share an intimate relationship with you was in place long before you were born. In (Acts 17:26-27) scripture says “He marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so they would seek Him” Now think about it: If God planed your life in such minute detail even before you were born isn’t it important that you learn how to listen to Him.? People think they can’t hear from God, when, in reality, there are things they already know He wants them to respond to and so far they haven’t done them. The quicker we do whatever the Lord has told us to do, the sooner He will reveal the next step to us. In (Isaiah 1:19) His promise is “If you willingly obey me, the best… will be yours” Hearing from God is something you only develop with practise – especially if you are a talker! That’s why He says in (Psalm 46:10) “Be still and know that I am God.” Our flesh is full of energy, we always want to be doing something, and it can be difficult for us to be still. So don’t only talk to God when you need something, spend time listening. He will open up many issues if you will just be still before Him. I think I can hear many of you say “I don’t think I have ever heard God talking to me” Maybe that’s just because you haven’t learned to listen. When you ask God for something, tune in your “receiver” Even if He doesn’t respond at that very moment, rest assured that He will in due time. You may be doing some ordinary task at the time when He speaks, but speak He will, just keep alert. If you honour God by learning to listen as you fellowship with Him, He will speak to you at exactly the right time. Perhaps you have spent years going your own way, if so don’t despair; If you are willing to obey God, He will guide you on the exciting journey of learning to hear from Him every day of your life. When you pray diligently and believe you have heard from God, and then start asking other people what they think. You are honouring their opinion above God’s. This kind of mindset can prevent you from developing a relationship where you can constantly hear from Him. You need to trust God. If you have made bad decisions in the pas this can be difficult. But you must learn to listen to God without constantly needing reassurance from others. The Bible says in (1 John 2:27) “The anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, it is true, and is not a lie, and is just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him” That doesn’t mean you and I don’t need teaching and instruction when it comes to understanding God’s word; it means we have God’s Spirit living inside us and that He will guide and direct us personally, we may need to ask somebody for advice from time to time, but we needn’t constantly go to other people asking them about decisions we are making for our own lives. If you are ever going to develop the ability to listen to God and be led by His Spirit, you must start by making your own decisions – and trust what the wisdom of God has put in your heart. The Devil wants you and me to think we are not capable of hearing from God. Don’t believe him. The Holy Spirit who dwells inside you will give you confidence, comfort and counsel for your life, so learn to listen to Him. Now, you need to pay attention to this; God’s direction will often be followed by a season of preparation. And the length of that season is determined by the size of the assignment God is giving you. So when God speaks to you, it’s not always wise to rush out and tell people. ..Who wouldn’t have wanted to tell people about the amazing experience Paul had with Jesus on the Damascus Road? And there would come a right time for Paul to do that - but not right then. So don’t move until God gives you the green light. Why? 2 reasons; 1. You need time, maturing and equipping so that the word you have received can take root within you and grow, and be fulfilled in the way God wants. 2. Sometimes God takes time to prepare the hearts of those to whom He is sending you. Paul writes in (Galatians 1:16-18) “When all this happened to me, I didn’t go at once and talk it over with anyone else; I didn’t even consult with...the apostles...it was not until three years later that I finally went to Jerusalem”Paul knew that people would find his calling unbelievable, considering from where he had come, and he had the wisdom to wait. He allowed God to go ahead of him and orchestrate the circumstances. And while he was waiting, he allowed the word he had received to grow in him as he made necessary changes in his own life. Then and only then, did he start doing the things he had been called to do. Paul didn’t try to convince anybody. He let God do that. And the end result was..(Galatians 1:24) “They praised God for what had happened to me”. I hope this helps all who read it to understand just how important it is to listen, hear and carry out God’s will and instructions. Don’t be afraid, God is a good God, He wont give you anything you can’t handle Trust Him and He will take you on the exciting journey of making His will known to the world. Thank you for reading my thoughts on the subject of “Learning to Hear God”. God bless and may His Holy Spirit guide you in to all God’s truth. My, how we need it. Phaline. ----------------------------