Children are such marvelous gifts from God. Look at and study them carefully, and you'll gain an insight into yourself. The three year old my wife cares for is both bright and skillful, with a rapid fire mind. Most times when asked a question, or given a direct instruction, her first response is “Huh?” This reply requires Cozette to repeat herself. Well, after noticing the pattern, and the fact that compliance was contingent upon having to repeat herself, Cozette brought to the child’s attention the need to listen, and she complied.

Children are intent on getting their needs, desires, wants and issues met. Since their focus is their agenda, they seldom hear anything else the first time. Also, the non-responsive “Huh?” gives them a little more time to think, especially in areas where they’ve been caught with their hands in the cookie jar, so to speak.

    * Does the fact that I listen to God in one area mean that He has my complete attention in every area? No.

    * Is my love for God measured by my receptivity and responsiveness to His Voice? Yes.

    * Does my agenda scream so loudly until I can’t hear God? Often. When He speaks, how many times have I said, “Huh?” Many more times than I count. And yet God, like a patient caregiver, does not count it against me – He just keeps loving me.

John the Disciple was so blown away by this love until he wrote, and I paraphrase, “What kind of love is this that God has poured upon us, that we should even be considered, much less called, the sons of God?"

My personal goal is to walk so close to Jesus Christ until I hear His Voice above my will. I call it The Ministry of Hearing. The roar of my personal agenda and life stuff can easily drown out the whisper of the spirit. When caught up in the rat race, it's easy to forget that He's right there in the midst of our own personal rush hour.

I shudder to think of the number of times I have failed Him in this area - too many to count, but not enough for Him to ever leave or forsake me, thank God. Neither helpless or hopeless, I strive to master The Ministry of Hearing, in every trial, test, or calamity. Just knowing He is there to calm every storm of life with a “Peace, be still” gives me the reassurance to trust Him all the more. Know this. He is God, whether you hear Him or not. His consistency is not determined by your attention span. His response to your needs is not triggered just because you respond to His call. His Love for you is an ever-living choice made once and for all. He is unchangeable, faithful forever. Listen, and you'll hear Him speaking ... even now.