Getting God’s Viewpoint

[Jesus said,] “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27

When Connie’s children were very young, she began to realize that she and her husband were not taking the same approach to rearing their children. He had a different temperament and a distinctly different parenting style. She had a master’s degree in child development and years of professional experience with children, and she was sure her way was the right way to handle their kids. If only her husband would change and do things her way. One day in frustration she sat on her bed and began to pray about the conflicts they were having: God, when are you going to show Stan that I’m doing this right and that he should come on board and parent the way I do? she asked.

Quietly, yet as clearly as she’d ever heard anything from God, her heart heard him whisper, If both of you were exactly the same, one of you wouldn’t be necessary! She knew she didn’t want to be the parent who wasn’t needed, nor did she want her husband to be expendable. When Connie heard God’s viewpoint, a dramatic change took place in her attitude. She began to value her husband’s parenting style instead of criticizing it. She started to appreciate his gifts and his unique way of relating to their kids, to celebrate their differences instead of being irritated by them. As a result, they had more harmony as parents, and a happy peace descended on their home.

On what situations in our lives do we need God’s perspective? Let us ask him for his viewpoint, for what he wants us to see or understand. Today’s verse assures us that the infinite God of the universe is also the Shepherd of our lives who says his sheep do hear his voice. —CHERI

Thank you, Jesus, for your promise that your sheep hear your voice. I lay down my agenda and the ways I see things and ask you to speak to me. Open my spiritual ears so I can hear your voice and follow you more clearly day by day.

Clearly, we are creatures built for listening, not just for talking. If God tells us to listen, surely he will not leave us hanging.

—TIMOTHY JONES, PASTOR, CAMPUS-MINISTRY LEADER, AND AUTHOR

From the book