Publisher’s Corner – Hearing From God Today and Every Day

By Sandy Jones

After the seemingly never-ending Summer, it feels so good to welcome Fall, knowing that during this magazine’s shelf-life, Winter will be here before we know it.

The season from Thanksgiving through New Years has always been my favorite time of year. Spending time together as family; and reflecting on Jesus’ birth; the fact that He came for you and me.

I realize that Biblical scholars say that it’s unlikely that Jesus was born in December. I personally don’t care what the day on the calendar is – I think it’s wonderful that we take the time to slow down, and think about God sending His one and only Son to be born of a virgin, to live a perfect and sinless life here on earth. That He came willingly to be a living/breathing, walking/talking example for each and every one of us – IF we choose to follow Him.

I’m humbled that the Creator of All Things, the One Who knows every star by name – also knows me by name. To Him I’m smaller than a sugar ant, and yet He hears my prayers, and, astonishingly, answers them.

I was driving down a major road the other day, and there it was, a dreaded orange “road construction ahead” sign. It was a Saturday so I really didn’t give it much thought. The next sign read “Left Lane Closed Ahead,” and the sign immediately following that one was a pictorial image of the right lane closed.

Now wait – say what?!

I was turning left at the next intersection, so none of it applied to me; regardless I was left wondering just exactly which lane was closed.

I’ve probably given this more mental real estate than I ever should have, after all its days later, and I’m still pondering on it. Sometimes in life, even in my walk with The Lord, I feel like those signs – not sure I have a clear understanding of which way I’m supposed to go, or exactly what I’m being called to do.

I realize that was quite a stretch, please bear with me.

I’m deeply humbled by the fact that God knows and hears me, but I don’t always feel like I hear Him.

Is that because He’s not talking to me? Not in the least. More likely I’m doing all the talking or too busy doing whatever I’m doing at the moment to listen for Him.

Only once in my lifetime have I audibly heard Him speak to me. Fortunately I was sitting at a red light, or I might have wrecked my car whipping around to see where that voice was coming from.

Sometimes I’ve had to check myself, asking if I’m out of line with His Word. I have to remind myself that it’s me who moves, not Him. He’s always right there waiting for me to come back to where I belong.

Perhaps what He’s calling me to do is so big it’s too scary. I don’t have enough faith in me to do it, and have to remember that “I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). Asking myself once again, am I listening for God to speak to me? Maybe it’s time for me to just be brave, willing and obedient, knowing His plan is always better than mine anyway.

I need to focus on the signs that God is sending, and listen to the words He is speaking to me. Unlike those silly orange road signs, His instructions are usually clear – even when it’s not what I want to hear. I simply need to slow down, quiet my mind and listen.

For me the holidays, or holy-days as I often refer to them, are the perfect time to take inventory of my life and my priorities. To make sure that I’m walking near to God, and listening for His every Word, as I’m reminded of His Great Love for us by the many decorations, Christmas cards, and celebrations commemorating His birth.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas, and draw nearer to our Lord and Savior than ever before.

Until next time…

God Bless!

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