Hearing His Voice #97

You are the salt of the earth.

Matthew 5:13

Like many others in her country, the young Egyptian woman wanted change. She supported the political protests, though not the Muslim influences behind some of them. And she knew the protesters in the square would be in danger. Should she get involved? Should the Christians of her generation voice their support for change? She asked God and heard Him say that the Christians would be the protection for the square.

In fact, that’s what happened. When Muslim protesters were injured by the military, Christians gave them first aid. When Muslim protesters took time out for their daily prayers, Christians surrounded them to keep them from being shot at that vulnerable moment. And now, many who witnessed the Christian involvement are asking about God and visiting church. Muslim seekers are coming to Christian prayer services. God’s word to this young woman and many of her friends has borne fruit.

God has plenty of creative ideas for using His people as salt of the earth and lights in the world. Many of those ideas go against our natural instincts to “make a statement” for the faith. But if we listen, we’ll hear them. We will find God leading us into the world, not as those who criticize and condemn, but as those who bless. He will direct us to places where we can represent His goodness. He will take us out of our comfort zone and into a place of fruitfulness.

Ask God how He wants you to influence the situations around you. Notice impulses to get involved and don’t dismiss them easily. Listen for any direction, whether conventional or not, that sounds like a divine idea. Be the salt of the earth wherever He takes you.

Lord, lead me into the middle of what You’re doing, even if it’s in unexpected places. Give me an ear for Your surprising and unconventional voice. Use me to bear fruit in Your world.