Who Has Your Ear

Description: This devotional challenges us to evaluate distracting voices and personally pursue God’s voice.

Day 1: 

I was in the waiting room of a chiropractor’s office and heard the doctor come out with a patient. The patient was a young man in high school, and it sounded like he was quite the track star. The doctor was obviously impressed by the young man and was asking him several questions about his track accomplishments. The last question the doctor asked him was, “What’s it like to have all those people screaming and cheering for you in a race? How does that feel?” The young man said, “You know, I don’t really hear it. When I’m running a race, I only hear two voices; my coach and my dad.”

As Christians, we need to be like this young man. Paul says in 1 Cor. 9:24 that we are runners in a race and we strive to win the prize of the goal that is set before us. In this race are many distractions, so we must learn to be focused, having our eyes fixed on the prize and not allow anything to distract us. We need to be focused to the point where the only voice we hear is the voice of our Father God and the voice of our Coach-the Holy Spirit.

In sports, sometimes there are those in the stands who will cheer and shout. They shout all sorts of well-meaning advice, but sometimes, they don’t understand everything that’s going on. They don’t consider that game plans were made, strategies and plays were designed. Sometimes they don’t even fully understand the rules. They just shout out “kick it, throw it, go get em…”, etc. For those in the game, this creates confusion and can do more harm than good. In the same way, life has many voices that could distract us from our goal and God’s specific plan for us if we listen to the wrong voice. They may be well meaning enough, but the distraction remains. Jesus said that His sheep hear His voice and the voice of another they will flee. This is what we are to follow. (John 10:4-5). 

Obviously, there are many voices and distractions from this world that could get us… “off track”, but what complicates matters is there are also voices in the Christian community that could distract as well. These are more difficult to discern since they speak our language.  Some even have respected platforms and are viewed as speaking the words of God. They are perceived as spiritual leaders; however, even with all this, they can still error and if we are not mature and grounded in God’s Word and fellowship with Him, we could easily be distracted. Not just doctrinally, but emotionally as well. With an audience of thousands, they say, “God told me to tell you…” and it doesn’t come to pass for us. Many other examples exist as well.

Like athletes, we need to be disciplined, and train. The world offers many short cuts and gimmicks to just about every area of life. Health and financial freedom are perfect examples. Often, we know what needs to be done, but still search for the quick and easy. As Christians, it’s easy for us take the same approach in learning to hear the voice of God and grow in that relationship. We know what is needed, but don’t want to put in the time and energy to seek Him quietly and consistently, seeking Him in the quiet place and waiting on Him.  So, we watch and listen to the preachers with the latest word or look for other ways to get the “Word of the Lord”. I think Christians would be much stronger and less discouraged if we took the disciplined approach. The one we know works, but just requires effort. Just as physical exercise strengthens our bodies, so we’ll be strong in our knowledge of the Father’s voice and what His will is for us. We would be less likely to be distracted or discouraged by listening to someone else telling us what they feel God is saying to us through them. 

Words from God that come through others are awesome and I don’t want to discount them, but they can be harmful if they are not authentic. Ideally, they should come from those we trust and they should serve as more of a confirmation of what we have heard in our own private time. So, if we spend that time with Him, anything that contradicts what we hear elsewhere just sounds off. It doesn’t sound right. Let the Holy Spirit be your coach and help you discern in these moments. That is one of His purposes for us (John 16:13-15). Let’s spend that time with Him, so that we won’t be distracted or deceived when we hear things that are not for us. So that we will be unmoved when our enemy comes to sow confusion, because that is how he works. 

Reflection:

Have I been seeking the Father’s voice consistently in my life? What have I been relying on for guidance? Have I been just reacting and assuming that the things I see in my life are from God?

Father-

I want to know You more, not just more about You – but You. I want to know Your heart and Your will. I want to be in step with You. You said if we ask anything according to Your will that You hear us and that if You hear us, we know we have the things we desire from You (1 John 5:14-15). I know that this is clearly Your will, so I ask for this in confidence. Please help me to be disciplined to seek You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, so I may know You more and give me Your discernment so that I will not follow the voice of a stranger, but Your voice only – my Dad and my Coach. I ask these things in Jesus Name, Amen.

Scripture(s):

Isaiah 30:20-21

Jeremiah 33:3

Psalms 85:8

John 10:1-30

John 16:13-15

Revelation 3:20

This devotional was provided by members of Faith Chapel Church. For more information or to contact us, visit faithchapelchurch.com.