Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Does the Lord use Billboards???

"After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper." 1 Kings 19:12 (NIV) -emphasis mine

Driving home the other day, I noticed the speed limit on the main road that I take daily, changed and had been lowered. I am not sure what made me look in that direction as I normally don't pay much attention to the street signs on familiar paths. It could have been because just a little something looked out of place. It was something minor but that change may have consequences for unsuspecting individuals who don't notice the change. Isn't that like our walk with the Lord? We go about our day with Him and unless we are truly seeking Him and relating to Him, we will get comfortable and not completely focused on what we now perceive to be routine. It equates to taking Him for granted and we may miss something minor that could have major repercussions down the road. Just as if I took for granted that the speed limit on my road was still the same as always, I could have gotten myself a nice visit from the local authorities that would have resulted with a slap to my wallet and my pristine driving record. It's the details in life that keep it interesting. The same goes for our earthly and spiritual relationships. We need to be so in-tune with the Lord in our daily walk that we can pick up on the minor disruptions in the balance of the Spirit. To be walking so close that we feel the shudder at the entrance of the enemy. Remaining so near that we can hear HIS "still small voice" and anything HE whispers to us. From my personal experience, I have found that the Lord doesn't do too much yelling or bill-board type announcements when I am searching for an answer or for direction. I find it wrapped up in the middle of a passage of scripture, in the line of a song, in the words of a friend, in my Spirit, etc. I am learning to appreciate the details and to pay more attention to the world around me just in case He does decide to erect a billboard to get my attention. If you need me -- I'll be the one quietly looking around!! Join me, won't you? Dear Lord - Thank you for wanting a relationship with me. Thank you for drawing my attention to the minor details in life to head off major implications and complications. Please be with my daily and help me to grow closer to you. AMEN Application:

  • Stop and look around your world -- what minor changes can you detect and what is their impact overall.
  • Are you walking with the Lord as a matter of obedience and not out of love and relationship?
  • Find a quiet spot (a walk, on the porch, a quiet spot in the bedroom, etc) and open yourself up to Him. Ask Him to help you avoid becoming routine about your relationship with Him and others.

1 comment:

Jill said...

Paula

this is reall neat! I am not surprised you are now a blogger. Your posts are very good. Thanks for sending me the link!