What Hinders Our Hearing God And What Keeps Us From Obeying

Who are You, Lord? —Acts 26:15

Knowing what the right thing … the God-thing … to do is and doing it are two entirely different things.  It's like knowing you should not cross the tracks when a train is coming and the right thing is to wait for the train to pass.  But, when you approach the tracks a thought comes to mind … “I think I can beat the train to the crossing.”  Sometimes you are right and other times .. you are dead-wrong.  

That is the way it is with believing and obeying God.  God offers His best but you think you know better. And even if you beat the train to the crossing, you have settled for less than God’s best for you. It may bring satisfaction for a moment, but God deals in the eternal .. not the temporal.  The heavenly not the earthly.  I have shared this before, Dr. Henry Blackaby, in Experiencing God, said that God speaks to us in four ways – by His Spirit (the still small voice saying “This is  the way”) – through prayer – by His Word (the sword of Truth, a light and lamp for us to see the way) – through other Believers – and, as Chambers suggest – through circumstances.  Dr. Blackaby went on to say that our problem is not in knowing what God said to us – the problem is obeying what God said to us.  The Scripture is replete with examples of disobedience.  They heard God and did something else because they thought they knew better. 

Hearing God requires two things of us.  First, our heart must be right … unconfessed sin will hinder your hearing.  Second is the practice of the spiritual discipline in our lives .. if you don’t pray .. if you don’t read the Word … if you don’t associate with other Christians who are doing those things … if your focus is on yourself and not God as you live life, then don’t be surprised when you resist the conviction of the Spirit. 

All too often we want to be our own god and decide what is best for us.  We won’t accept any advice that is not consistent with what we have decided is the best for us.  “I am going to beat that train and you are bad if you don’t agree with me!” We ignore our sins .. having decided they are really not that bad. In fact, they are acceptable and preferred as far as we are concerned.  We pray asking only for things that support our plan for peace and fulfillment.  We avoid other Christians who will not agree with us.  The reality is that we are merely practicing vain religion.  We have a form of godliness but deny the power of God in favor of our own devices.  In short we are carnal but have convinced ourselves that we are spiritual.  My best and only advice to a Christian who is living like that is repent – you need more Jesus and less you.  You have accepted a life that falls short of God’s plan for you  .. and one day … you won’t beat the train.

I recently shared a similar opinion with someone about a choice they were making. I knew my opinion was contrary to what they had decided to do. But, if you ask for my opinion, I will give it - even if it is not going to be what you want to hear. 

Speaking the truth in love - Ephesians 4:15

If I see a train coming, I am going to tell you - even if it means you might have to wait for the train to pass when you don't want to. Ever been there? Maybe you are listening to the train whistle right now!

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone