When God speaks
When God speaks people and nations are changed. Throughout history and in modern times when God speaks to people they are empowered to change. The first followers of Jesus heard his voice saying, “Follow me”. The left everything and followed him and their lives were changed The apostle Paul (Saul) was filled with hate towards Christians when a blazing light blinded him and he heard the voice of Jesus say, “Saul, Saul why are you persecuting me?” The encounter changed his life. In recent times, the nation of Argentina on the verge of economic and spiritual bankruptcy heard the voice of God as the message of Jesus was proclaimed. It has led to a social renewal. Across Africa and Asia millions of people are hearing the voice of God and responding to the person of Jesus Christ in faith and trust. (Mark 1:7-18, Acts 9:1-18)
God speaks to us in the midst of the storm. Some times life is tough and we can feel that God has forgotten us. In the midst of “stormy” times God still speaks to us. Jesus’ followers feared for their lives as their boat was engulfed by a storm. They shook him awake and were “blown away” when his voice stilled the wind and the waves. “Who is this man?” they said. When God speaks peace to our turmoil we catch a glimpse of someone bigger than we had previously realised. (Mark 4:35-41)
When God speaks we are invited to grow through risking failure. Our society in general and our education system in particular usually values success over failure. But some of the greatest human achievements have grown out of repeated failure. Abraham Lincoln failed many times to be elected to various public offices before becoming president of the United States. Thomas Edison failed repeatedly before finding the right substance for the first light bulb. The apostle Peter is often remembered for his failed attempt to walk on water. He had responded to the voice of Jesus telling him to “come”. Fear had overwhelmed him, but Jesus lifted him up in his moment of failing faith. We too can grow through risking failure. (Matthew 14:22-33)
God speaks to us in the midst of the storm. Some times life is tough and we can feel that God has forgotten us. In the midst of “stormy” times God still speaks to us. Jesus’ followers feared for their lives as their boat was engulfed by a storm. They shook him awake and were “blown away” when his voice stilled the wind and the waves. “Who is this man?” they said. When God speaks peace to our turmoil we catch a glimpse of someone bigger than we had previously realised. (Mark 4:35-41)
When God speaks we are invited to grow through risking failure. Our society in general and our education system in particular usually values success over failure. But some of the greatest human achievements have grown out of repeated failure. Abraham Lincoln failed many times to be elected to various public offices before becoming president of the United States. Thomas Edison failed repeatedly before finding the right substance for the first light bulb. The apostle Peter is often remembered for his failed attempt to walk on water. He had responded to the voice of Jesus telling him to “come”. Fear had overwhelmed him, but Jesus lifted him up in his moment of failing faith. We too can grow through risking failure. (Matthew 14:22-33)
posted by Peter Wilson at 2:03 PM
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