Listen

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

John 10:27

Recently I was hanging out with some friends and they shared an interesting story. They have a young son who is learning to talk and finding his voice. On car rides they'll be talking and constantly interrupted from the back seat with a "mama, mama" or "dada, dada" and when they ask him what they want...silence.

What he wants is to know they are there and listening to him.

Fear will do that, it will cause you to wonder if you anyone hears you or if anyone sees you.

Ever felt that? Of course you have. You are human. I have too. In fact in this voyage of my career hunting it can sometimes feel like you are shipwrecked alone wondering if the waves are ever going to break your way. It's human to feel, God gave us emotions for a reason.

Every closed door or unmet expectation can cause you to wonder if He hears your prayers.

But then John reminds us that is we listen to His voice we are reminded that He knows us and we can follow Him. Maybe the little boy is onto something.

There are times we need to stop and listen and be reminded that He is with us and will never forsake us. Even if it feels like it. Listening is an active thing and listening to follow requires more than a quick glance. With focus and intention we can follow by listening to Him.

In fact one of my daily prayers right now is "Lord help me to clearly hear from you and follow where You lead." Praying that regularly has given me clarity and peace in the midst of what has frankly been a trying season. Yet, I am His. And He is with me. And I will listen and follow.

A reminder today no matter where life finds you, allow yourself some time to simply stop and listen so you can follow. Maybe like a child you need to ask Him to remind you that He is with you and will never leave.