“Say what?” “Can you hear me now?” These familiar jingles have been used in popular commercials to get our attention. The catch phrases invite us to listen in. Hearing is what we do in response to an audible voice, startling noise or soothing music. According to Google, ‘to hear means to perceive with the ear the sound made by someone or something. However, listen means, ‘to give one’s attention to a sound, an act of listening to something.’ Hearing happens when we catch a snippet of someone’s conversation; we are drawn in with interest and choose to engage ourselves in processing the content and information. Hearing happens by happenstance, listening intently is a choice.
Last week I was disappointed by a dear friend who has recently relapsed into her addictions. In processing the situation, I’ve asked myself, “What more could I have done?” I mentioned this concern to another of our mutual friends who said, “She has all the tools she needs. She knows what to do.” Wow. My cloud of guilt and shame lifted as I was comforted with the truth – I did everything I could. Now it was up to her, our backslidden friend had to want to get back up again. God asked me to release to Him the responsibility for results, but to continue to be faithful in prayer and let Him work it out. Once again, I’ve died to myself this week. I must choose to decrease so He can bring abundant increase. “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest in me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
I’ve been encouraged by the people of God and recalibrated by the word of God. And I’ve chosen to lean in. I am listening closely as God communicates to me through the circumstances, my friends and the Holy Spirit. I love this scripture from Romans 8:26-27, let us agree together as we speak aloud these words as a prayer. “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saint in accordance with God’s will.”
I’ve made a choice to prepare myself. I want to be a different person on Resurrection Sunday. I’ve chosen to make this time of lent a time to listen to God. Interestingly enough, God wants us to listen to him speaking through the people he has placed in our lives. Can you hear Him now?
Exchanging hurt for hope is Sheryl Giesbrecht’s focus—a message she shares with audiences as a radio and television personality, author and speaker. A dynamic teacher and motivating leader, Giesbrecht has endured many changes and challenges, moving her to a deep faith, trust and dependence on God.
She served as Focus on the Family’s columnist for Pastor’s Wives for four years. Hundreds of her columns, magazine and devotional articles have appeared in Focus on The Family Magazine, Just Between Us, Discipleship Journal, CCM, Walk Thru the Bible’s – InDeed and Tapestry publications.
Giesbrecht’s radio show, “Transformed Through Truth” is nationally and internationally syndicated and heard daily by over 10 million listeners on networks across the United States. The Holy Spirit Broadcasting Network shares the show internationally on seven continents. “Transformed Through Truth” launched as a 30-minute internet television teaching feature in March 2017. To view this amazing teaching time, go to www.HSBN.tv.
Sheryl has a heart for missions and is avid about reaching out to the poor and needy, locally through the Rescue Mission and worldwide through various ministry partners. Giesbrecht is a Lead Like Jesus Facilitator and missionary with Freedom In Christ Ministries (www.FICM.org) and has been personally involved with equipping hundreds and facilitating the training of thousands of leaders internationally. Sheryl’s latest book is entitled It’ll Be Okay: Finding God When Doubt Hides the Truth.
The joys of Giesbrecht’s life are her children and thirteen grandchildren. She is excited about the new beginning she shares with her marriage to Dr. Jim Turner. Sheryl holds a Bachelor of Arts from Biola University, a Master’s in Ministry and a Doctorate of Theology.
Learn more about Sheryl Giesbrecht on her website, www.sherylgt.com. She also invites readers to follow her on Facebook, and on Twitter (@SGiesbrecht).
Your reflection on the distinction between hearing and listening is profound and timely. Indeed, in a world filled with noise and distractions, the act of truly listening requires intentionality and attention.
The personal anecdote you shared about your friend’s relapse into addiction and your subsequent journey of processing and surrendering the situation to God is deeply relatable. It’s a powerful reminder that while we may offer support and guidance to those in need, ultimately, their choices and actions are beyond our control. Surrendering the outcome to God’s sovereignty, while remaining faithful in prayer, is a testament to your trust in His plan and His power to bring about transformation.
Your willingness to lean in and listen closely to God’s voice amidst life’s challenges is inspiring. It’s a reminder that God speaks to us not only through His Word and the Holy Spirit but also through the people He places in our lives. Your commitment to using this time of Lent to deepen your listening to God’s voice is commendable and serves as a call to action for others to do the same.
The prayer from Romans 8:26-27 is a beautiful reminder of the Holy Spirit’s role in interceding for us and guiding us in alignment with God’s will. By actively engaging in prayer and listening, we open ourselves to the transformative work of God in our lives.
Thank you for sharing your journey of faith and listening. It’s a reminder to all of us to tune our ears to God’s voice amidst the noise of life and to respond with obedience and trust.
Matthew – thank you for your comment and reassuring reminder that a big part of our journey is about faith and listening. Blessings!