“19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. 21 So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.
22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.
26 If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. 27 Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.” (James 1:19-27 NLT)
Hearing what someone is saying does not equate to listening. Anyone can be aware of speech, sound, or vibrations.
Listening involves paying attention and acting on the response to what was mentioned.
But, why is this information important right now?
In a world full of experts and those who claim to be, not only should we have discernment, but we should always be in a state of listening to the Holy Spirit in all matters.
The other day I had a doctor’s appointment that was a follow-up from a previous one. I had prepared to mention some symptoms that had come about and requested a particular test.
Before I met the doctor, I had to speak with the nurse which is normal. During my time with the nurse, I gave my symptoms, but there were only two symptoms that the nurse truly focused her full attention on when I spoke. If she’d only listened to what I had said in totality, she would have understood why I was requesting the test I’d mentioned.
When she left the room, she had taken with her some items that I had brought with me. For whatever reason, she spoke with the doctor just outside the room, and I could hear what she was telling him. Although they were not speaking loudly, God had allowed me to hear their conversation, and hearing that conversation, I knew I would have to give a response.
With listening to the Holy Spirit and having others intercede for me, I knew my response was important, not only to the Lord, but also for the doctor and the nurse.
If I am truly about my Father’s business, I will understand that His plans in what I am to say and/or do is His Will for me. It’s much bigger than me!
I admit, I was getting upset by what I was hearing the nurse say to the doctor, but in my seeking the Lord in the matter, I realized she truly didn’t understand what I was saying and asking. She was simply the following protocol she was taught. She heard me, but she was not listening to what I was saying because it showed in her response.
When the doctor returned to the room, he began questioning me more about what I had mentioned to the nurse.
There were times where I gave my response to his questions.
There were times he was absolutely wrong and had no understanding, but God told me to be quiet, giving no response.
With all transparency, I wanted to say something so eagerly, but I said nothing.
I chose to lay down any place that was not God’s Will. I’m not sure how the doctor may have responded to what I had wanted to say.
Even though it seemed small and simple, I gave it to the Lord and continued to heed to His instruction. I did exactly what the Father told me to say and do no matter what the doctor or nurse thought.
After he finished with his questions and further examination, he left the room again.
When the doctor came back into the room, he referred me to another location that could give me what I needed. He also said, “You have everything else you need, right?”
I said, “Yes, I do.”
He then said very strongly and with a pointed index finger, “Okay, but you’re good!”
Smiling and nodding, I responded, “Yes I am!”.
God worked with and through that doctor. I truly believe that when the doctor entered the room after the nurse, he had to make a decision about the information that was given to him from the nurse.
His decision was not just from his expertise, but from the wisdom of God as well.
I received what I needed due to my response and obedience from the Lord.
My doctor’s appointment could have been a horrible experience if I had chosen to follow my own understanding and knowledge instead of listening to the Holy Spirit.
Now, I have the direction needed. God was able to work through the doctor and also minister to him for what he needed. In return, the nurse received what she needed because of the doctor’s response.
We need people in order to do God’s Will. Although others may be highly qualified, it does not mean that we know it all, nor does it mean that we know what God is doing in the lives of others that He puts in our path.
So I say this…
Do EXACTLY what God tells you. There’s an abundance of blessings and favor that comes with obedience. Trust Him. Lean not to your own way of thinking and understanding. Keep your peace and don’t allow frustration to rule your heart.
Continue to read God’s word and allow the Holy Spirit to show you how to wisely utilize the scripture in your life.
May the lives of others be transformed by the light of God that shines through you!
Are you truly listening and doing? Make sure your response is always pleasing to the Father.
