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Topic: Whispers (01/26/04)
TITLE: When God Whispers Your Name By shirley shields 01/28/04 |
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Whispering in front of someone always arouses their curiosity or it may even anger them at times. But if a loved one whispers your name it takes on an entirely different emotional feeling inside your heart doesn’t it?
If it comes from a loved one trying to awaken you for another day or to sympathize with you for some difficult situation, it always carries an awareness of deep felt love and concern for you from another person.
God knows every name and every language; can you hear Him whisper in your ear? For me it has never been an audible voice, but I still recognize it as the Lord’s when He whispers my name. It may come while reading an article in the paper or a book I’m reading and He will prick my heart that I need to do something for someone or about a given situation I read about. I may even be in a grocery store line and overhear or see something and be prompted to say or do something for someone I’ve never seen before.
Too often in our busy world we tend to say to ourselves that we are too busy to get involved, it’s their problem and none of my business or numerous other excuses. Maybe all that is needed is a smile and how you are today or a thank you that will lift that person’s spirit. Maybe even a God Bless you lets them know you are a Christian.
One can find many lonely people in their local stores; you can recognize them by just listening or watching their actions, sometimes they will be fumbling with a product and even ask if you have ever tried it, at other times they will start a conversation for no apparent reason. Is the Lord trying to get your attention of a need? Through the years I have discovered that they usually just need someone to take the time to speak to them, a friendly face to interact with. Sometimes you find they are alone and other times you find they have a family but no one really ever listens to them However God always does I have found.
Many conversations have been opened for me, that I call opportunities to share my faith and love for the Lord by this simple action of taking the time to show some kindness to another human being. I also know that it was the Lord who got my attention of a need in the first place, that He desired to meet for another child of His. They are all His children whether they have accepted His love for them or not. Remember Jesus reputation of kindness followed Him wherever He went and He knew their needs before they even asked, He still does today as well.
I’m reminded of little Samuel who served Eli the Priest, and he was awakened from his bed three times and went to Eli and said Here I am, only to be told he hadn’t been called. After the third time Eli discerned that it was the Lord speaking to him and he told him that the next time to just answer “Speak Lord, your servant is listening”. We need to ask the Lord at these opportune times if He is trying to tell us something also and be willing to listen carefully.
Many times the Lord has awakened me in the middle of the night with a thought or concern. It also took me awhile to recognize that the Lord was trying to show me something I needed to do or even just answer something I had been praying about. The timing I believe is simply because we have many obstacles that take priority in our days over that still small voice. We need to slow down and listen for that whisper in our ears. We are told He is the same yesterday, today and forever so we know He still whispers in the ears and hearts of His children.
Revelations 3:20 Behold I stand at the door and knock, if any man hears my voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him and will sup (dine) with him and he with me.
God is whispering your name. He always speaks in our own language; He is never rude or unmannerly and He takes the time to listen to all our needs. Amen!