Communications - hearing and understanding what God is saying

Communication is difficult at best. “Can’t we just talk?” often comes up in any and every relationship … at least those that are most important. But, talking is not communicating. Not really because, what I say, what I actually said, what I thought I said, what you heard, what you actually heard and what you think you heard are all different. Clarification and verification is important … the process is called feedback. Most of what passes for communication is nothing more than act and re-act. I’m guilty of this most of the time, as are most husbands and wives.

Transfer this over into our relationship with God and we can begin to understand why we often get confused as to what God is communicating to us. Little sound bits come at us at breathtaking speeds and some how we are to sort them all out, filtering out the non-essential, meaningless stuff and allowing God’s voice to be heard above all else. It would be so simply if God would simply set us down and say, loud and clear, “this is your heavenly father speaking to you … listen to what I am about to say, it is important.” But he doesn’t.

God’s word comes to us in a variety of ways – through the created universe, through his written word, through Jesus himself, through those spirit filled individuals who populate our world. It can and often does get confusing. Our desires and wishes all too often get in the way of hearing his message.

Thus was the case with a couple that I was counseling. They (or should I say, she) were trying to determine what God wanted them to do in their life. Neither was happy in their present jobs and they were praying earnestly for some guidance from God. Within this context his brother calls from Las Vegas with a plea, “I’m swamped with too much work and desperately need your help. Can you guys move to Las Vegas? I’ll make you a full partner in the business if you will.” “Well,” I asked, “are you going to take him up on his offer?” “No,” she replied with a lot of determination and authority, “surely God doesn’t want us to move back to Las Vegas!” End of story, but they had been praying about a change of jobs for more than six months, they had enlisted the prayers of their church, they were seeking God’s guidance through this entire matter, but since God’s answer wasn’t exactly what they were looking for the answer was rejected. It didn’t fit into their plans.

God’s answers usually do not fit into our plans. They often require us to move outside of our comfort zone and to move in a direction that makes us uncomfortable. In a conversation with a young person who was starting to feel the call to ministry, I suggested that, at his age, he should go to seminary. That would mean that he would have to finish his undergraduate degree first. His desire, and the easier course of action – the path of least resistance – was simply a “course of study” offered by his denomination. Going back to college was not in his plans. God had clearly spoken, but was quickly rejected. God’s plans didn’t fit into his plans. But, this young person still seeks God’s answers for his life.

This next week is Holy Week, a most meaningful time in the life of the church and in the life of most seekers. Each day brings us closer to resurrection morning. Our path will take us through the Upper Room, into the garden of Gethsemane, by the hill called Calvary, into the burial place now standing empty … each step of the way God will be speaking. He will be speaking clearly and forthrightly. His message will be drowned out by our agendas, our “to do” lists, our preparation for the celebration … and still he speaks the message that has been communicated over thousands of years. There is new life to be found here! There is hope and purpose to be realized in relationship with him! There is direction and understanding to be found … if we would but listen …

Quote for today: I know you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant. ~Source Unknown