Understanding The Voice Of The Father

Hi, welcome once again, and welcome to the month of June. We have crossed the first half of the year,  and it's pretty exciting. And it's my birthday month as well, yay !!! I am looking forward to making the most of the second half of 2017.  Today's lesson is pretty straight forward, as inspired by the ever sweet Holy Spirit. Enjoy your read.

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As I walked to my office this morning, I made a quick stop at a cake shop. My intention was to make an inquiry. As I stepped into the store, I looked around and found a lady/shop attendant arranging items. The following conversation occurred:

Me: Good morning, please I will like to make an inquiry?

Woman: No, we don't have.

Me: (deducing she didn't know what inquiry meant) I mean I will like to ask a question 

Woman: ok

Me: What types of cakes do you have? 

Woman: blank look 

Me: I mean, what flavors of cake do you have?

woman: Like birthday cake?....

Me: (sighs in disbelief)

Woman:(deducing her answer was not right)  My sister will come in afternoon, come at 2 

As I walked away, I simply shook my head in wonder. The conversation I intended to have was one which was seemingly simple, however, the lady in question had no understanding of the basic English required. The conversation kept me thinking as I walked away. I attempted to shrug off the conversation, as a scene like this is no different from that which occurs in many shops across Accra. However, the Holy Spirit made me linger just a little more.

He asked:
 "How many times do you as Christians act like this?"You ask to hear God speak to you, yet you don't do the required assignment. You cry so often that the Father does not speak, yet like the lady, you have made no effort to learn your Father's voice. You carry on in life being comfortable with your current level or position, and when you need help, you ask your pastors/leaders or Spirit-filled friends to pray for you. You neglect the required work of studying the word and fellowshipping with the Father as you should till you need certain things.

The word of God says,

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:" John 10:27

This implies one thing, as a Christian, I have a duty of knowing my Fathers voice. This means I must have spent quality time in His presence, whereby at any point He calls I know it's him speaking. 

We as Christians have a duty, as Children of God, we are to know our Fathers voice. To do this requires work. The book of 2 Timothy says: 

" Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Tim 2:15 

To grow, and be at the level God needs us requires work.

The lady at the counter is often times we Christians. We want to do certain things or be in certain positions, however, we do not do the required work. We linger in our old stage/state and when God or situations come calling, we look to transfer the work to another person.

In truth, we do not grow that way. Our growth as Christians requires a different level of work and commitment at different points.

"...For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required..." Luke 12:48

So dear brethren, as much as you want a different level of fellowship, growth, answers, solutions from God, so does He want to spend time with you. But to receive, you need to put in the required work. Remember grace is indeed sufficient, but you need to put it to work.

This is not to imply asking for help when needed is not necessary, it simply implies you should move as the Spirit directs.

Shalom