Monday, February 11, 2008

Spirit Listening


Jesus answered him, “What I am doing
you do not understand now,
but afterward you will understand
.”

John 13:7

Having plopped in front of the computer and clicked the icon, I sat, potato-like, waiting for the promised e-mails. My expectations were zilch. God really didn’t know what he was doing this time! Up popped the address of a trusted friend with these words...Several nights ago, I was awakened and felt strongly that I needed to pray for all of you...then the Lord reminded me of this verse. Spirit listening...my friend had heard and responded.

Many of us find ourselves at odds with two facts: We know that the Holy Spirit wants to speak to us but we also don’t know how to become Spirit listeners. The very idea makes us feel muddled and confused because we’re never quite sure whether what we’re sensing or feeling is really the Spirt talking.

There is, however, an important component of Spirit listening–we have to be ready and the readiness makes us receptive. In order for my friend to be reminded of a verse, she had to know the verse in the first place! In order to be ready we have to spend the time necessary getting to know the Speaker. Being ready gives us the ability to respond to the reminding of the Spirit as we encounter our own challenges as well as those who join our journey.

To be a Spirit listener takes time and commitment. We may not always understand the message, but, for my part, I am grateful that my friend made herself ready.

Jesus, forgive me for the
times I fill my time with useless stuff.
Help me to be ready,
meaning, help me to know you.
And by knowing you, be receptive
to the voice of your Spirit.
AMEN.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Every week day I look forward to reading your meditations. Every day I am blessed with encouragement and/or challenges. Thank you for listening to the Holy Spirit and sharing what you have learned with us.