A Voice

“Do not worry!” The words stopped me in my tracks. It wasn’t just a voice ― it was God’s voice speaking into my mind and heart. I had been chewing my "spiritual nails" about a job I had interviewed for and was waiting on their decision.

“Don’t worry? You know how long I’ve been looking for work Lord, right?” I replied. Of course He knew, that’s why He said what He did because, well... I was worrying. Twenty-one months is a long time to be unemployed.

“Do not worry!” came again, only louder. Obviously, God wanted me to get the message, so instead of asking any more questions, I listened and obeyed. Immediately, I dropped the worry to the ground and walked away. As I did that, God blessed me with peace.

In today’s verse, Elijah listens to and obeys God’s specific instructions to take refuge in the Kerith Ravine. Elijah doesn’t hesitate and he is supernaturally blessed in being fed by ravens next to a refreshing stream.

I admire Elijah for moving without hesitation. At times, I have paused before obeying, even in the midst of knowing it's God speaking, but only because I wanted to be sure it’s God. Then as I obey, God blesses me in ways I would have missed had I not listened and acted.

Being obedient to what God speaks to us, as we listen, isn’t always easy. Yet, when we enter into the divine realm of trusting God, our obedience to Him brings rewards beyond all we could have imagined.

Father God, thank you for speaking when I stop long enough to listen. Thank you for your faithful and long suffering nature toward me when I don’t act as quickly as I should. Please give me a stronger heart posture of immediate obedience to the things you instruct me to do, for you only have great blessings in mind when I obey. In Jesus’ powerful name I pray. Amen.

Go Deeper – Go back in time and meditate on the things God told you to do at various times in your walk with Him. Did you have to listen closely to be sure you heard Him correctly? Once you heard Him, did you obey immediately? Remember the blessings you received as a result of obeying and praise His glorious name.