Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Be Careful To Whom and How You Listen

Discernment
I had an interesting experience yesterday that reminded me a little of Matthew 16:23 where Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." Except, in the conversation I had with the young lady, she did have in mind the things of God and still it could have been a stumbling block if I allowed it.


Okay, I need you to fasten your seatbelts and hang in there with me on this one, because it'll be a ride.

For the last couple days I'd been feeling a little spiritually off center as though I was missing the target. My mind was crowded and I wasn't spending sufficient time with the Lord in comparison to all I had going on. Yesterday was Bible study and I had an URGENCY in my spirit to get there, like a car that badly needed an alignment. I didn't know how I was going to get there seeing that my car is inoperable at the moment and I don't know my way around yet. So I called a sister from my new church who told me I could call her when I needed a ride. However, she was out of town. I shared with her how I was feeling a little spiritually off center and my yearning to be at Bible study last night. She reminded me that we are the church and that God is with us no matter where we are and gently rebuked me for doubting and displaying a lack of faith among some other well-intentioned advice. All of which was true. But either I didn't do a good job of expressing myself or she wasn't listening to the Spirit. There was also the factor that she didn't know me very well.


We prayed together about a couple things and I got off the phone. I was a little comforted, but still disturbed in my spirit. She's someone in leadership and one whom I respect. So I considered taking her advice and not pressing my way to Bible study. I left it in God's hands.


Shortly afterwards my sister came home and she offered me a ride to the church. The series of events that proceeded was beautifully orchestrated by God. It was not only that I needed to get to church to hear a specific message entitled, "Patience Under Pressure" by a visiting missionary from Guatemala, but there were 3-4 other specific encounters God had lined up for me at the church that evening! From the moment I'd gotten to the church premises my spirit had lifted and I knew that I was where I was supposed to be that evening. The missionary even said as part of his message, "that some of our friends and family may try to comfort or give well-meaning advice out of love but may not be part of God's will." Look at God!


Sometimes, all I can do is just "look" at God and shake my head at his awesomeness. We have to be so careful whom we're listening to. When Jesus turned to Peter in Matt. 16:23 and rebuked Satan it was because the enemy was using Peter to try to obstruct God's plan and purpose. It's important that we discern God's plan and purpose in our lives and for different seasons in our lives. We must be able to discern God's will, God's voice or we will miss out.


About 5 months ago I had a similar experience on a much higher level. My decision to relocate was being questioned and rejected by the spiritual and business mentors in my life. However, I'd heard clearly from God to make the move, so proceeded to prepare, by faith, to go. It was causing all kinds of upheavel and changes, but I kept praying and moving forward. A week or two before my move I had a major clash with the primary spiritual leader in my life at the time. I left his office with a resounding headache unlike any other I've ever had. I'd always had God confirm what he was saying to me through this leader. So why not this time when it was of such major importance? I felt like my head was in a vice and I couldn't think. I knew it was the enemy, but I couldn't pray. It was 10:30 at night after Bible study. I finally cried out as I was driving to Walmart in my car, "Lord, I need to hear from you. Send someone who knows you AND knows me." (Sometimes the person may know God, but not know the work God is doing in your life. Other times, they may know you, but not know God. I needed someone who knew both.)


I called a couple friends. They were unavailable or asleep. As I walked through Walmart searching for the packaging tape I was looking for to seal up the moving boxes, I held my head and groaned audibly. A very friendly young man came up to me and greeted me. I recognized his face but didn't know his name. I'd never spoken with him before but he greeted me like a long lost friend. I was on the phone seeking comfort from a friend when this practical stranger greeted me and wouldn't leave me alone. I told him I'd get back with him once I got off the phone. The headache wouldn't leave and I couldn't think so I got off the phone and continued my search for the tape.


I ran into the young man again and he offered to help me find the tape. After seeking help from a sales associate for me, he led me to the tape in a rear aisle in the store. Immediately afterwards he started sharing his testimony with me. Within the first 5 minutes of sharing the vice around my head released. My headache was gone. He had my full attention because I knew immediately God was speaking to me. I stood there transfixed as I listened to him. He went from telling his testimony to speaking prophetically. I was in awe. He was confirming the things God had previously said to me and telling me of some things that God was about to do for me. I marveled at God and how he answered my prayer. I thought, "Wow God, you're awesome! You knew that no one really knew what you were doing in me, or that no one knows me like you do, so you came yourself to speak to me through a stranger!" It was a very special "moment" (the guy spoke to me that way for almost an hour and a half)!


So this morning as I reflected on what God did last night and as I remembered again the care of the Lord to send his messenger to speak to me at such a crucial time 5 months ago, it brought home how critically important it is for us to be careful to whom and how we listen. In both instances the people who were giving me godly counsel, were indeed giving me biblical (Logos) counsel, just not spiritually discerned counseled, or Rhema counsel. Good people, good words just not in the right season.

"Be quick to listen, slow to speak..." James :19a

8 comments:

  1. Hi Beverly -

    This is certainly a "now" message for so many who are uncertain about GOD'S plans and purposes for their lives. We have been insecure and fearful at times and even questioned GOD about what He has directed.
    These faith journeys can be "doosies." But when we relinquish our holds on our lives - and do as the Word says - to lose our lives to save our lives...we win triumphantly.

    I much enjoyed reading about your Walmart experience and the "stranger." Spiritually, he was not a stranger, but GOD's certain messenger to lead you to rest in your spirit about GOD's directives for you.

    Thank you, Beverly, for sharing this enriching testimony and your wise words to us to discern and lean on our Lord for guidance in all matters and affairs of our lives.

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  2. Hi Beverly,

    I believe that the enemy will often use those close to us to unknowingly give us advice. Job's wife is a classic example of this occurrence, "...curse God and die" -- The best of intentions doesn't necessarily mean the best advice.

    God will always confirm His direction for us. I've launched a new business and the only direction I have is a vision God has given me. This is the first time I've attempted a business venture but every step of the way God has shown Himself faithful. Wednesday morning I met with a potential client and God's favor was evident. I fully expect a signed contract before the end of the week.

    Just continue to trust God sister, the word says, "Let God be true and every man a liar."

    May God bless you and give you favor.

    MTJ

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  3. Beverly - What a wonderful story of God's loving timeliness! When you were talking about "godly counsel" I was reminded of Job's friends. Much of what they said was right - and yet, it wasn't pertinent to Job's situation. And God had some rather stern reprimands for them later! So, we need to ask for God's discernment - WHO to listen to, WHEN to listen and when not to. I believe that He will honor a sincere prayer for guidance.

    James 1:5 - "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking."

    God Bless you, Beverly - He will honor a heart yielded to Him!

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  4. Hi Beverly,

    Wow! I am stunned! Those are amazing testimonies of how quickly God can answer our prayers. God answered your prayers immediately by sending your sister to get you to church and by confirming his plans for your move through a stranger. Only God can do that. God loves us so much that He comes to our rescue when we need it most. You were really up against some tough opposition concerning your move. If I was in the same situation, I might have caved in to the pressure. I commend you for seeking God and having an ear to listen and receive his confirmation through a stranger. While reading this, I wanted to know what were some of the things he said to you. :-)

    Thanks for telling us to be careful who we listen to, because as you said they may know God but not know His plan for your life. Or, they may know you and not know God.

    Awesome!

    Judy

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  5. Beverly, what a great testament to God hearing and answering our prayers. Our prayer partners, leaders, etc. are not always privy to what God is speaking into our lives. But thank God that the Word says His sheep know His voice. When know and follow that voice we can't end up in the wrong place.

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  6. Interesting post. Is your new location more rural?

    I agree that now; especially at this time, we need to know YHWH'S voice, to posses His discernment, and to be quick to receive His counsel and obey it.

    Shalom In Messiah.

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  7. Thanks for your responses. They always encourage me.

    Amen Sandra, MTJ and Sharon! God is faithful. When we seek him he will not leave us groping in the dark.

    Judy, I believe you would have made the same choice and sorry, no can share whatelse he told me. :-)

    Agreed Wanda. Thank God we can hear him for ourselves.

    Hi Yuri, No I'm not in a more rural area. I'm in the heart of an inner-city desparately in need of the love and light of Christ. It's certainly a mission field and discernment in hearing the Lord's voice is more critical than ever.

    Shalom.

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  8. Very good post...and a lesson I think we continue to learn all through life.

    He wants to speak to us and I think sometimes we are more comfortable having His words come through a earthly vessel...who is also fallen short of the glory of God. So even when they would want to counsel us right, and their heart is in the right place, they are still a broken vessel also.

    God is faithful...good reminder

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