HOW DOES GOD SPEAK? - Part 3 - Growing Through God's Word

For the past two weeks I have written about how God speaks – first through Scriptures and last week through prayer.

How Does God Speak? – Part 3

God Speaks Through the Holy Spirit

by Jan Cox

I knew that as I grew closer to God, studying His word, praying and giving my focus to Him that I would hear Him when He called.

A few Sundays ago after our church service I found that I could put into practice much of what I had learned both in the service and at my writers’ conference.

“Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you” (Hosea 10:12 NIV).

I wrote the following at my blog,  Jan Cox A Better Way.

“I know that seeking His face is the surest way to begin. I know that I need to be in constant communication with Him to hear the Holy Spirit encourage but also discipline; to listen carefully; to proceed when the light is green; but keep a sharp look both left and right before I go ahead.”

On that Sunday God orchestrated to have me alone in the parking lot with someone I had not spoken with in five years. We had seen each other, but there had been a rift between us. I had forgiven her, through Jesus, in my heart but we had not reconciled.

I smiled at her and walked to my vehicle.

I heard God say, “Go back and talk.”

A Holy Spirit Nudge?

I did not hesitate. I knew He had worked it out. I had peace in my heart.

I turned and went back and we had a relaxed, wonderful chat. God blasted the barrier. Reconciled.

Then I read in Oswald Chambers:

“If you debate for a second when God has spoken, it is all up. Never begin to say – “Well, I wonder if He did speak?” Be reckless immediately, fling it all out on Him. You do not know when His voice will come, but whenever the realization of God comes in the faintest way imaginable, recklessly abandon. It is only by abandon that you recognize Him. You will only realize His voice more clearly by recklessness” (Oswald Chambers, June 18).

So in the space of one week God spoke clearly to me, three different ways: His Word, prayer and the Holy Spirit.

And more importantly,

I listened.

Prayer:

Thank You, Lord, for knowing me so well. Thank You for being there, leading and guiding me. Thank You for your unending love. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.

My Gratitude List continues as I count to 2000.

• daughter’s help and great ideas for vacation Bible school – VIBE
• great dinner for 18 and we held it outside
• watching grandbaby soothe himself to sleep babbling with his eyes closed
• loons on the lake
• rereading my journals from February

• Proverbs 13:22 from the Message: “A good life gets passed on to the grandchildren.”
• “my soul find rest in God alone.” Psalm 62:1
• Hubby helping me set up the VIBE (VBS) for this week
• another volunteer
• more children registering – we hit 23

• how excited my daughter is to be teaching JKSK in her own city in the fall
• beautiful photos by Bill Weaver – especially a butterfly

• early morning fog – with the sun peeking through
• boating in the rain – actually is was interesting
• sermon – What is Community?

• happy smiles of over 20 kids at VIBE
• grandkids are here
• singing and dancing with the kids
• tired cranky grandkids – are put down for naps – whew!
• a loving hubby who just keeps supporting me and all my endeavours

• wonderful volunteers – so appreciated
• God – who keeps me going through my tiredness

Jan, a former school teacher and small business owner, found a new passion in writing in her retirement. She has published two devotionals and a number of articles for magazines and a Bible study. She is owner of Under the Cover of Prayer and moderates the site. She also writes at A Better Way. Jan has completed a children’s book called Tadeo Turtle. She is the watercolour illustrator. Word Alive will be publishing this story and it will be available later this summer. See more about Tadeo at Jan’s Website.