Yesterday, a friend and I were talking about discerning the voice of God and how we sometimes get these little “inklings” or “feelings” that we should or should not do something. I recall my mother telling of one particular incident when she felt such a strong warning about a situation, she changed her plans. Mom was a Christian and she believed that God spoke to her that day. I was a mere child at that time, but I loved to hear her tell that story and I remember thinking how wonderful it was that she “heard” His voice.
You can't see them, but even as I played with my cousin's baby, I wore headphones. The "infamous" stereo is sitting on top of the bookshelf.
Fast forward a few years to when I was a teenager. I loved music and would spend hours in my room listening to records. (Yes, I am dating myself but this was long before CDs and iPods.) One year at Christmas, my parents gave me a new stereo. It was the kind that was popular in those days and had an acrylic top. However, the stereo was small, so when I played albums, I had to remove the cover and I often left it laying on the floor.
One night, when I was in my room jamming to my collection of music (most likely the Beatles), I had a strong urge that I should pick up the top from the floor or I might break it. I was about to put something in my closet and I recall thinking, First, I’ll put this away and then I’ll move the cover. I climbed on a stool and when I stepped down…crash – right on the acrylic top!
I didn’t realize it then, but God used this incident to teach me that I can discern His voice. Even more, I realize the importance of listening to Him when He calls.
Often when God calls us, it requires an immediate change of plans. When we don’t obey, it might cause us to miss out on His blessings, and more importantly, that we aren’t in His will. Other could get hurt because of our disobedience.
In the book of Luke, we read the story of two men whom Jesus called and both hesitated. To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:59-62)
I don’t believe that Jesus is asking us to abandon our homes and families. I think both men were merely offering excuses not to follow Him. Jesus’ sharp rebuke merely points out that there is a lost and dying world that need to hear the good news of the gospel.
So, when Jesus calls, let’s not be guilty of saying, “but first…”
