July 1, 2024

Isaiah 30.19, 21 (NIV)

How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. . . . Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

God’s Word reveals the right road.*

Isaiah’s words were specifically addressed to the “people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem” – and not to the ones who dwell there today; but I believe there is a message for us here and now: crying out to God never goes out of style. There is no statute of limitations on God’s promise to hear and answer you. He says he will and so he will.

Not so sure about that? Do you struggle with knowing what God wants you to do? Are you suffering despair because you are sure you have never heard God’s voice saying, “This is the way; walk in it”? I don’t have a magic formula for determining God’s will but here are some helpful suggestions:

    1. Cry out to God. Be honest. Don’t be afraid to express your fears and frustrations. Be specific. “God could answer many of our prayers a hundred times over, and we would never know because they are not specific enough for us to see the results.”*

    2. Wait. God reveals himself on his schedule. Jesus set the example for us; he “never ran ahead of God.  Instead, before making any decisions or starting any new ministry work, he spent time with his Father . . . waiting on God to show him exactly what to do next.”*

    3. While you are waiting, use your time constructively. Rocking babies in the church nursery may not be your calling but if there’s a rocking chair that fits you, fill that need for now.

    4. Continue to pray. List your options and present them to God. Determine what it is that you really want.

    5. Search the Scripture. “God never speaks in the conscience contrary to what He speaks there.”*

How God speaks to you is a personal matter between you and him but don’t settle for “feeling” that you have your answer. Wait until you know.

God’s voice is always consistent with his character.*