I love knowing no matter when I need to speak, and regardless of what I want to say, I have an audience with God. With Him, I have the fastest connection available and the service is free...at least on my end. The truth is, Jesus paid an enormous price for my divine hook-up: He bought it with his life. In a world where communication with others is highly valued I am thankful for my twenty-four/seven access to God's ear.I am particularly appreciative to not be dependent on satellites for service when I have wandered off track. Praise the Lord we don't incur roaming charges! God's plan simply can not be beat and yet, membership on a global scale is remarkably low.
My connection with the Lord hasn't always been as clear as I feel it is today. Through the years my conversations with God have changed. My initial attempts to embrace His Spirit in fellowship were centered on my needs and my desires, Me...me...me. God was my miracle maker, my spiritual Daddy whom I ran to with every boo boo or need. This one sided style of communication really stifled my spiritual growth and life. There was static in the line and there were times I got disconnected, perhaps even dropped.
Studying scripture under the likes of Kay Arthur, Charles Stanley and Beth Moore matured my times of communion. These powerful spiritual leaders modeled a deeper relationship with Jesus: one rich with revelation that I had not been experiencing. Their example drove me to my knees where I began to seek the will and voice of God in my day. Emphasis was placed on praise and thankfulness and in time I learned how to be still and meditate on His Word.
When my prayer time became worship, my relationship with the Father bloomed. I had somehow grafted myself into the vine effectively and I was sprouting spiritual limbs in places I thought dead. The promise of fruit was encouraging. The Word was opening up to me; visuals formed in my mind as the Truth applied itself to my daily circumstance or concerns. I found a pattern in the way God spoke to me and trained my heart to recognize His voice.
I believe this is what Oswald Chambers was pointing us to; "Whether I hear God's call or not depends on the condition of my ears, and exactly what I hear depends upon my spiritual attitude." I believe the "condition of my ears" has changed as my attitude toward God has changed. The closer I get to the Lord, the more humble I become. There is a state of constant awe that keeps me barefoot before Him. I truly feel like I am always before the burning bush; beholding the presence and spiritually on fire.
My history with Jesus is filled with mile markers and surprises; spiritual and emotional victories, answered prayers and divine encounters. Therefore, I've come to expect victories, answered prayers and more divine opportunities. The biggest change in my daily spiritual journey through the years is not found in anything I do. The difference is noticeable in my trust that God IS. Not was, not will be, He IS. Right now He is with me. I am never out of His sight or without his company. This truth has radically altered my life. Knowing He is near first renewed my mind and next changed my heart. Once those necessary alterations were underway, His fellowship changed my actions. I have come to realize I can share each day aware of His constant presence and uninterrupted conversation or I can spiritually hang up on Him. (I don't recommend the latter!) The result has been a confidence in my walk, my sharing, my praying and my hearing His voice.
Isaiah heard God calling because he was an active member in God's network. We too can have a static free connection with the Lord through daily fellowship. Children of God are promised His unfailing presence and need not fear areas where we can not get service. This is not the case for the unbeliever to whom God repeats,
"Can you hear me now?"
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