Hearing His Voice #237

I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will guide you with knowledge and understanding.

Jeremiah 3:15

“That which people trample upon must be thy food.” George Fox, founder of the Quaker movement, heard those words as he walked by a church, and he knew God had spoken to him. He believed other ministers were feeding upon empty words and neglecting the message of the blood of Christ. He knew their words could not give life. Long before, Fox had searched desperately for a way to be set free from the fleshly works of death and be prepared for life-giving ministry, and he found none from the ministers he knew. He had heard a voice then too: “There is one, even Jesus Christ, that can speak to thy condition.” He found freedom and life in Jesus alone, and this would be His message. God spoke to him to call him away from ministry practices that were bearing no fruit.

God’s people have departed from His truth in numerous eras throughout history, but God eventually speaks to those with hearing ears to bring His people back. That’s why God raised up prophets in biblical times and why church history is marked with repeated reformations and revivals. When God speaks, His words are often corrective. That can be true not only of individuals but also of generations of His followers. If the shepherds of His people do not fulfill their responsibilities in truth, He will get their attention or raise up new shepherds. His words have the power to reform.

When the Spirit is not freely flowing in the people around you, look to God alone to speak to your needs. He may direct you somewhere else, but He will often call you to be the reformation you desire. He will lead you into truth, even when truth is not flourishing around you. You will hear His voice guiding you into freedom and life.

Lord, my experience with You is not dependent on the people around me. It depends on You alone. You can feed me with Your truth anytime, anywhere. Give me eyes to see You above any human wisdom or teaching.