A Norvell Note for May 17, 2021
Vol. 23 No. 19
Pray. Listen. Walk.
I have a deadline on a writing project, so I pray: “Lord, give me words. Give me words that encourage those who are discouraged. Give me words that comfort those who need comforting. Give me words that build up those who are feeling down. Give me words that bring peace and offer hope to those who need it.” That prayer is often followed by sitting down at my computer to a blank screen and start typing. The words come, and I remember these words.
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21)
When I was preaching, there were Sundays when I would be walking to the platform praying with each step, “Lord, I don’t know if what I’ve prepared is what these people need to hear. If not, give me the words You want me to speak.” The message comes. The words come, and I remember these words.
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21)
I’ve been called to the hospital to pray with a family in a crisis. As I drive to the hospital, walk from the parking lot, step in the elevator, and then enter the room, I pray, “Lord, I don’t know what to say to this family. Please give me the right words.” He gives me the words to pray, and I remember these words.
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21)
When I have a significant decision to make, I often pray, “Lord, I don’t have a clue what I am supposed to do. Give me wisdom and discernment. Lord, please give me ears to hear what You are saying to me.” The wisdom comes, the decision I make the decision, and I remember these words.
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21)
Please understand I do not claim to have any special gift or unique ability to hear the voice of God. However, when I pray, God responds with wisdom, words, directions, and peace. His responses are varied in form and timing but real and undeniable.
My purpose in this writing is to remind us that God does listen to us, He will respond to our prayers, and if we pay attention, we can know the way He wants us to go. Then, we can walk in it with confidence and peace.
Pray. Listen. Walk.
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