Major life events push believers to question if we need to change or should have done something to enhance or prevent them. A friend is processing a serious family event. Our conversation about it sparks reflection on my history with God and His faithfulness.
The new creation I am in Jesus Christ was born when I was almost 27 years old. I had been drawn to Jesus years before, and I believe that initial response when I was 12 preserved me from great trouble and sorrow until I fully accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord.
Since I asked for God’s mercy, many life events highlight His faithfulness: Carrying and birthing two babies, moving far from family, illnesses related to autoimmune disorder, divorce, my sons’ marriages and their children, professional changes, financial setbacks.
Could I have made different choices along the way? No doubt. What I know certainly is that I chose long ago to be obedient to the voice of the Holy Spirit.
John recorded the words of Jesus that say believers in Him would be able to identify what God says to them:
John 10:27-28 My sheep respond as they hear My voice; I know them intimately, and they follow Me. I give them a life that is unceasing, and death will not have the last word. Nothing or no one can steal them from My hand. The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
Knowing we can hear His voice is not enough. What grows as we walk with Him is a knowledge that He can speak to us individually in the way we will understand. Sometimes it is through His word as we read, as we sing (especially from scriptures), as we sense in our hearts His leading. He tunes the message to our ears; His faithfulness to His word means the message will agree with His scriptures.
Some of us sometimes fail to listen. That is our choice and can lead to tragedy. For some, illness gets in the way, whether physical or mental. I know that calling out for mercy means He will not let go, no matter the hindrances, because He is faithful to keep His promises.
Laying down my right to have my way and committing to a life of obedience to His voice leads to a lifeline set in His timeline, not mine. Some days are easier than others, but knowing He is faithful to keep His promises gives hope every day.
II Corinthians 1:20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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