For the last 30 years or so, I’ve attempted to listen to, obey and follow the voice of God. I have never heard it audibly but I have had it for only impressed upon my heart and mind. I have actually been a believer for over 40 years, but I got serious about my faith in my early 20’s.
It’s been a long road, and I’m still a pilgrim in the process, but I’ve learned a few things along the way. These are based totally on my personal experience.
Here are 7 things I’ve learned about following God:
I’ve never been able to see very far down the road. God seems to keep me from seeing all the details in advance. Sometimes, I get a clear vision of a big goal God has for me, but I usually have no clue at the time how to get there.
The road for following God has never seemed to be easily paved. I assumed if I was doing things “His way” things would go my way. But, just being obedient doesn’t always remove the obstacles. This has always required faith. Thankfully, without faith it’s impossible to please God.
There have often been several options available of “how” to proceed towards what God is calling me. God seems to give freedom in the way I complete His plans. I’ve even made mistakes and watched Him redeem them.
I have been tempted to quit. How is that for honesty? When life is hard, my faith is sometimes weak. I’ve learned God doesn’t give up – people do. I do. But God is faithful even when I am not.
Satan is the great disrupter. And he is crafty. The enemy stirs conflict with other people, stretches resources and tempts battles within my own mind.
God’s voice can be discerned. It’s so wild! The Maker of the universe is willing to let me hear from Him – even on the darker days. The more I know God and the closer our relationship, the clearer I hear His voice.
God calls people to impossible tasks. What’s impossible for me is possible for God. Praise His name! God brings eventual completion to His work – in His time.
