11 Jul Are You In A Position To Hear From God?
WRITTEN BY: Mike Herr
We live in a fast-paced world where there is just so much going on. The last couple of years have been especially difficult. Through the global pandemic, we have all faced challenges like business and school closures, parents learning to balance homeschooling and working from home, jobs lost, loved ones lost, and add to that all the unrest and wars happening all around us— it has felt like it’s been one thing after another. The world around can feel chaotic. And even though I knew God was working, I found myself asking, “God, why is all of this happening?” Maybe you too have struggled with questions and you’ve been wondering if God is listening to your prayers and questions. Have there been days you found yourself wondering if you will even hear from God at all?
Hearing From God
Now, you may be thinking, “Well, how does God speak to us? Am I going to hear a deep booming voice from heaven?” God speaks to us in various ways and one way is through scripture, but we need to be in a position to listen. What does this mean, putting ourselves in a position to hear from him?
When thinking of this question I am reminded of John in Revelation 1:9-10 NLT, “I, John, am your brother and your partner in suffering and in God’s Kingdom and in the patient endurance to which Jesus calls us. I was exiled to the island of Patmos for preaching the word of God and for my testimony about Jesus. It was the Lord’s Day, and I was worshiping in the Spirit. Suddenly, I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet blast.”
In John’s time, like in some areas of the world today as well, it was dangerous to share the gospel. It may have even felt chaotic to John, being the only living disciple remaining after all the others died a martyr’s death. Then, John was exiled to the island of Patmos, where he would spend the remainder of his days in isolation for sharing the Good News of Jesus. I don’t know about John, but if it were me, I’d be wondering if I was going to hear from God. But, we see in verse ten John was worshiping in the Spirit. Despite the circumstances he was going through, John still chose to worship God. He chose to put himself in a position to hear from him.
We Have A Choice
How do we do the same? By spending time in our slot and spot—a time in your day and a place where you can go to spend alone time with God. When we eliminate distractions, we can find a peaceful, quiet moment to spend time with him. Much like the quiet time John would have had on the island being by himself worshiping the Lord. God speaks to us through his Word as well. There have been many times God has answered my questions when reading scripture— just like through Revelation 1:9-10, he answered my question about how to hear from him.
You Can Hear From God Too
Each one of us can hear from God when we choose to spend time with him daily, and as a result, we will grow in our relationship with him. So, no matter what we are facing, how fast-paced things may be, or how chaotic the world may seem, we can look to this example of John in Revelation to see how we put ourselves in a position to hear from God. By making space and time to read his Word, to sit still and be quiet before him, we will hear from him. When we choose to worship him in spite of our situation, we will hear from him. Maybe not like the trumpet blast John heard (I hope not at least!), maybe not audibly, but it may be just a still small voice or a new revelation in what you have read. God will speak— we just have to position ourselves to listen.
Mike Herr / Young Adult J-Groups Area Coordinator
Mike has been going to The Journey for one and a half years. He loves serving on the J-Groups team as the Young Adult Area Coordinator. Mike also loves connecting people into groups to help them to grow into life-giving relationships. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, hanging out with friends, and spending time with his nieces and family.
Now, Revelation can be a scary or intimidating book of the Bible to go through for a multitude of reasons; from the confusing imagery presented, the challenging writing style, and the fact that it is about end times. But don’t let that stop you from reading it! One great way to navigate your way through any book on the Bible is to have a reading plan. Here are two great resources from YouVersion that can help you with reading Revelation:
Four Messages of Hope in Revelation
Miss week one’s message of the “Full Disclosure” series or just want to listen again? Just click the link to hear the full message!
Lou DeYenno
Posted at 16:03h, 11 JulyGreat read Mike!
Thank you for the blessings!
Lou
Mike Herr
Posted at 13:46h, 14 JulyThanks Lou! Glad you enjoyed it!
julie panaro
Posted at 16:38h, 11 JulyNice post, Mike!!
Mike Herr
Posted at 13:46h, 14 JulyThank you!
Letitia Johnson
Posted at 04:58h, 12 JulyThank you for sharing!
Mike Herr
Posted at 13:47h, 14 JulyYour welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!
Alfred R Ceaser
Posted at 08:21h, 12 JulyThanks for your courageous posting Michael!
Mike Herr
Posted at 13:47h, 14 JulyThanks Alfred! Glad you enjoyed it!
Sandy Berry
Posted at 08:07h, 05 SeptemberThanks Mike for sharing. Encouraged me to make it a quiet place from distractions. I regularly have quiet time but not in a place of no distraction. I liked where it said ‘in the Spirit’. That tells me his #1 focus was Jesus
Mark Ebert
Posted at 10:20h, 18 SeptemberMichael, you did a great job leading the Revelation J-Group with Victoria, and as I have my Slot & Spot outside this sunny morning, I believe God steered me to your post. Thank you.