On a long car journey home, we drove into thick fog. Grey mist swirled around us, and the headlights only seemed to reflect the light back rather than show the road. As I was driving, I found myself leaning forward, straining to see better, using only the faint white lines of the road to keep me from veering off. It was exhausting work. My back ached, and my eyes tired, as I forced a clarity that simply wasn’t there.
Sometimes our lives feel like that too. We can’t see what is ahead, and the future seems unclear. Even though we know God gives direction, we still find it difficult. We want the clarity of full-sun weather, but often, God only provides enough light for the next step ahead.
In the Gospels, Jesus says of his sheep:
He goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice (John 10:4).
When we are in the middle of a fog and the road ahead feels uncertain, we are encouraged to listen for God’s voice. Jesus doesn’t say the sheep follow because they have a clear line of sight; they follow because they recognize a voice.Â
In a fog at sea, sailors trust the sound of a fog horn to direct their passage. Likewise, we can trust God’s voice to lead us. Moving forward with certainty means listening to the One who leads us. An Unstoppable Life means we stop leaning forward in strain and start leaning back in trust, waiting for his voice to lead us and keep us safe.
A Prayer to Know God’s Voice
Lord God, may I learn to know your voice. May I learn to listen for your direction. As I read your Word, the Bible, I ask for you to speak to me. Guide me and lead me in your way, that leads to life and keeps me safe. Help me to trust in your words for my life. I ask you to listen to and answer my prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
