Blog

Explore My News,
Thoughts & Inspiration

Ask The Lord…

On the third day of training camp we had ATL, or ask the lord day. This is a time where you are given a single plastic water bottle with the hopes of giving it to someone who Jesus points out. Before training camp evangelism had always seemed like a big, scary thing and this was no different. I was terrified – how was I suppose to spark a conversation about Jesus with a water bottle?! 

My team and I were assigned downtown Gainesville where we walked around, asking the Lord who we should give this water bottle to. I prayed as I walked, waiting to hear from God – but I wasn‘t hearing anything. I was overwhelmed by the idea of talking to a stranger about something so intimate and equally as overwhelmed about not receiving a big sign from God. After several attempts and an hour of walking around endlessly, I was tired and frustrated. There I was pleading with the Lord to show me who I should talk to. I didn’t hear from God that day but that’s okay because since then, I have been walking through this awesome journey of learning with the Lord. I ended up giving the water bottle to an owner of a bookstore and it’s actually a pretty cool story – but that story does not belong here.

This is a story about learning to hear the voice of God. Something that may seem impossible to you or something you may have down. For me, it seemed like the impossible. 

I’ve learned that in order to hear from God, I have to push pass the formulas and develop a tender relationship with Him. One that empowers ongoing conversations – both intentionally listening and hearing His voice. In those moments that I felt frustrated, I felt as though God wasn‘t telling me anything or that I didn‘t have this ”special gift”. But John 10:27 reaffirms our ability to hear His voice. God’s will is to be personally present with each of us – in constant communication. 

No matter how hard I tried to force it or convince God to give me a word or phrase about something, it was never going to work. Our father is a father of patience and He is tenderly teaching me patience as I walk through this space. I am still discerning between God’s voice, my voice, and the voice of the enemy. I‘ve learned that it can be scary to listen to what the Lord is telling us, but our responsibility is obedience and not the outcome. As I have been walking through this, I have also learned that He is a gracious father. Meaning that He shows up when we need it the most. I have heard His voice this week more than I had ever before. I no longer fear evangelism because I know He is speaking to me and through me. He’s been there for me during this journey and He will be there with you. 

God wants to share His heart with us, to encourage us, to offer correction, wisdom, insight, and to give us direction in life. However, if we don’t give Him an opportunity to speak, He can’t do any of these things. If we want to hear from God, we have to spend time with Him. Read His word, pray, and ask Him to speak to us as we listen. Trust me, He‘s not in the business of letting us down!

Join me in prayer: Lord, I pray that when you speak to us it will be clear and that we can identify your voice above all others. I pray that we are receptive to your voice and for the boldness to obey you without worry. May we have an intimate relationship with you, one that cherishes two way communication. Thank you for being a patient and gracious father. 

—————

Keep praying for my team and I! I can‘t wait to share pictures when I am back! Thanks for reading 🙂