Well, last weekend I had the privilege of attending a 22 hour guided prayer retreat with Russ Ikeda. It was a powerful time. We had 3 separate times of teaching and then going out alone to pray. Each time God spoke to me in a different way.
First, I just laid down and started hearing His voice in my head. He talked to me about many things in my life and ministry. Every time I tried to talk back - even to ask a question or agree with Him (silly, now that I think about it) - I heard a gentle "Hush. It's my turn to talk now." So I'd hush and listen some more. During that time I received again a confirmation for my new direction in ministry, some challenges to grow in certain areas and some promises. But the most amazing part of this time (did it last 30 minutes or 2 hours?) was when I felt Him talking to and healing 2 very sad, young parts of me. When I was driving up to the retreat center, a song on a CD deeply moved me - and I felt intense sadness. I didn't know why. On the way down - after God spoke and healed - I heard that same song come around again. And I couldn't find the sadness anymore! It just wasn't there! Praise the Master Healer!
The second time God spoke to me was through His Word. I have been meaning to begin studying Isaiah. I've felt a strong tug toward this book for awhile. Well, on Saturday morning I began. And 2 hours and only 9 verses later, I'd received so much guidance and truth and wisdom that I just kept filling page after page of my journal. The biggest point was to allow God time to work. Do you realize that the 4 kings mentioned in Isaiah 1:1 ruled for a cumulative 100+ years? So, even though Isaiah is a long book, it took, what, 60 or 70 years to receive it all? So patience, Mike, patience!
The final time we met alone with God was in the afternoon. I waited for His voice - nothing. I looked at the Word - nothing. Hmmm...Finally I sensed I was supposed to take a walk. I saw a trail and it seemed to beckon, so I headed down it. I didn't know how far to walk, but I felt an assurance inside that I would know what I was supposed to see when I got there. Well, I had to climb over tree roots, walk through mud, push away young saplings threatening to slap my face, and so on. Oh, yeah, there were some nice spots as well. But through it all there was a natural beauty. When I got near the end of the trail, I looked down over the edge and saw my goal, my prize - a rusted out old post! Big whoop! So I asked what in the world that was all about. Here is what I heard:
- Your journeys in life don't always end the way you expect them to. Be open and obedient to wherever God leads you.
- Most of the beauty is along the way, not necessarily at the end.
- Life is a lot of different and varied experiences - learn to persevere and be thankful whatever you encounter.
I really needed to hear these words. I returned to the beginning of the trail and sat for the next 30 minutes pondering them. Boy, I really do have to learn to be more thankful and trusting in this journey I'm on. Especially for the finances. Good lessons, Lord!
Hey, taking the time to listen for God really works! Blessings on you all!
