By Leo Hellyer
Well, here we are in 2026. If you are reading this, God is not done with you yet. He has something else in store for YOU! God has more that He wants you to accomplish here on Planet Earth.
If we look back at 2025, I am sure you will agree that much happened in that 12-month period of time. Who knows what will happen in 2026, but there is one thing we can be certain about and that is: God is in control.
God cares about us, God loves us, God is always communicating with us, but sometimes we don’t hear Him. He is communicating, but we aren’t paying attention.
In Psalm 19:4 we read: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.”
God communicates to us in many ways. All we have to do is eagerly listen and we will be blessed with His presence, wisdom, love and clarity.
Let’s remember that the Bible is the wholly inspired Word of God. In Isaiah God tells us, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
A short while back I had a very crucial ministry decision to make, and I wanted to make sure that I was listening to God’s guidance and not my own thoughts. I prayed; I sought the wise counsel of others around me. I was still uncertain of which direction to go. I decided to step away from all the confusion and go to a Christian concert to relax and hopefully be blessed.
As the concert began, I had a peaceful feeling come over me, and I knew something special was going to happen that night. I was able to block out all the distractions of daily life and concentrate on the message of the songs that were being sung. At one point I looked up and realized that all the available seats were full up to the rafters. It was later pointed out that this night was the highest attendance for a faith-based concert in the history of Extra Mile Arena in Boise. God had been communicating to a lot of people, and we were going to be richly blessed. Many people throughout the arena sponsored children around the world that evening. Many people accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior around the entire arena.
As the headliner, Brandon Lake, was singing and sharing, God spoke to me and gave me the answer to my ministry decision. God told me very clearly, “Leo, you are a man of God and a follower of Jesus Christ.” He impressed upon me that I cannot deny that or water it down. The truth is the truth: the only way to salvation is through Jesus Christ, and I must openly and freely express that to those He brings across my path. Message received!
God spoke clearly to me at a Christian concert and, praise God, I was listening.
In Philippians 1:6 we learn that God began a good work in us and that He will continue working with us and molding us into who He designed us to be until Christ comes back to claim His kingdom.
God speaks to us all the time. God speaks to us in good times and bad, day and night, when we are alone and when we are with others, when we are at peace and when we are at war, when we are captive and when we are free, when we are happy and when we are sad, when we are healthy and when we are ill, when we are prosperous and when we are in need. All we need to do is to take time to listen.
If you want to hear from God Almighty, the Creator of the Universe, give Him your most valuable commodity – your time. Set aside time in your schedule to block out all distractions and listen to God. Sometimes He is very quiet and subtle, sometimes not so much. God loves us so much that He never forces us to do anything, at any time. He communicates with us and lets us decide which direction to go: follow Him or someone or something else.
You can receive God’s blessings and guidance through His Word, his followers, nature, books, houses of worship, music and any other means that He chooses to use. The methods God uses to communicate with us might change, but He never does. He always gives us unconditional love, mercy, grace, and compassion. He is always there to keep us on course. When we stumble, He picks us up, dusts us off, loves on us, and puts us back on the correct path.
The secret to a blessed relationship with God is to be ready, be seeking, and be available. When God speaks to you, He doesn’t expect you to keep it a secret. He wants you to share with others what He has done for you. God wants you to get the word out. He will bring people along your path that He wants to communicate with, through YOU! You can be the conduit through whom God reaches lost souls. Listen for God, listen to God, and be available for God to use you in reaching others.
Leo Hellyer is a non-staff pastor with a local church. He has been married to his wife, Norma, for 53 years and has served with Boise Rescue Mission for over 25 years. He is co-founder and training counselor with Taktikor Defense Group. If you have questions about Real Man’s Toolbox, or need other assistance, he may be reached at silverplate426@msn.com or (208) 340-5544.
