Day 24: Learning to Listen

Reading: Proverbs 3:1-10

Listening for God's voice and direction can be a tricky task. The trick is to keep in communication with Him, as you will learn His voice more and more. In Proverbs 3, we are told never to forget the things God has taught us, to store His commands in our hearts, and tie them around our necks. We learn most about God through His Word. This passage emphasizes just how important knowing and reading scripture is. We can't rely on our own understanding and wisdom because it is so small compared to what aged knows and has planned. Trusting in Him to guide us, and coming to Him with every decision we face making is a huge part of knowing His will in our lives. We not only need to trust Him with direction, but with our money. What we honor The Lord with, He will fill up again until it is overflowing. The blessings we receive when we trust in God with out actions and decisions will be huge. Stick to scripture to keep hearing His voice and instructions.


Reading: Matthew 16:21-17:13

Sometimes an answer from God may not be the one we want to hear. When Jesus tells His disciples that He will die a horrible death and raise again, Peter interjects and even reprimands Jesus for telling them this. Jesus says some pretty powerful words in response in replying "get away from Me, Satan." Could you imagine the punch that felt like to Peter? However, we can tend to do the same thing when God tells us something we don't want to hear. Not everything along the way of God's will seems happy and fun; in fact, we are told to expect trials and hardship, but to trust in God's plan through it. When we try to make our own calls when God tells us to do something else, we are in opposition to the will of God, just like Satan.
Jesus tells us to not dwell and thrive on the wealth and comforts of this world. In the end they are all meaningless, but the mission of Christ is eternal. Don't gain the whole world, and end up losing your soul.
The true plan of Jesus' coming is revealed to Peter, James and and John later when they see the true power of God displayed before their eyes, commanding them to "listen to Him (Jesus)." This must have been the most terrifying, powerful thing the three men witnessed, but true direction was given through it. Probably just what Peter needed after denying the plan Jesus laid out earlier.


Reading: Genesis 47:13-48:22

The life story of Jacob is pretty incredible. We see how God has worked through this entire family line and kept the covenant made with Abraham. What a true testimony to trusting in God to carry on His promises even after you're gone from this earth! Because all of Abraham's ancestors trusted in The Lord to carry them through, great work was done through each of them. When we pay attention to God's voice and commit to His direction, the blessings are innumerable!
Jacob had recognized the work God had done in his own life, and in the life of his son, Joseph. Because Joseph had continued on the path God set him on, he was able to save an entire nation from starvation, as well as be a testimony of God's work and will. Imagine if Joseph had run away from the situation, or if his brothers had killed him instead of just selling him.
When we stick by God's Word and promises, He'll use us in mighty ways.


Listening for God's voice is a vital part of life. When we heed His instruction and direction, even if it's something we don't want to hear, we are part of His big plan. Don't resist the struggles that come your way. Learn from them and let God use them.