Sometimes we need to hear things two or three times before we actually listen to what is being said. Therefore, Oswald repeats his message on the importance of listening to the Lord. Yesterday he addressed our lack of desire to have God speak to us: for we are often not interested in what He has to say. Today, his message encourages the believer to: first: set their mind on devoting himself to listen to the Lord, second: show Him love and respect by obeying His instructions and third: expect Him to speak to me and seek His daily input.
In my own life, I have learned how important it is to be disciplined in this area of my walk with the Lord. Life is fast paced and most often too full of worldly activity. The casual days of long ago, when a family would settle with the setting sun, are no longer part of American culture. We burn our candles at both ends before sunrise and well into the night: snuffing out both our energy and time.
It is worth repeating as well, the cost of not listening to the Lord is dangerous. I mentioned yesterday, it can be a matter of life or death. For we never know what God has to say to us or what action he has purposed for us to do. Still, the issue of obedience remains linked to hearing God's instruction. To hear the Lord's voice on a matter and not act, is clearly rebellion regardless of the spirit. Disobedience is costly and the believer is not always the one who pays the price.
Before our youngest son was born, I worked in my husband's accounting office. I was therefore in contact with his clientele on a regular basis. One company in particular desired both a social and business relationship with their CPA. Thus, my husband and I became better acquainted with the client and his wife. His name was William but we called him Billy. Through dinner parties and luncheons we developed a casual relationship which afforded openness in our conversations.
While our faith was known by the couple, their conduct, speech and manner remained quite worldly. Billy had a firecracker personality: a combination of character traits not limited to bold, brash, obstinate and a bit self-centered. However, my husband and I held hope that we would some day be a bridge to the Lord through our witness.
In my encounters with Billy, I sensed a tender heart under a very hard shell. Though I desired to share the Lord with him, I was a bit intimidated by his gruff disposition. However, upon one occasion in our home, I commented I was praying for a mutual friend. Billy, demanded to know why I felt the need to pray for this man. Immediately, I felt the warm stirring of the Holy Spirit within me. I realized I was being guided to share my concern for our friends eternal state, for he was Jewish and therefore without salvation. Under the direction of the Lord, I explained the points of salvation to Billy as gently as I could. A sour look pinched his face as I shared the gospel, yet, I continued as prompted until the truth was shared. My heart pounded as I silently prayed for God to break through the hard exterior of Billy's heart. When I had finished, he sat silent for what seemed an eternity. Then without addressing a word I said, Billy turned to my husband and began another conversation.
I can not express to you my discomfort. I felt sure I had responded to the Spirit's prompting. Likewise, I believe my words were clear and concise. Still, Billy's aloofness to me the rest of the evening stung, as I feared I had jeopardized a business relationship with my husband's client. Fortunately, all remained well on the business side of things. However, the social relationship between the four of us came to a peaceful end. Luncheons and dinners were replaced with golf dates of which the wives were excluded. A word was never spoken good or bad about my gospel message and life went on.
Months later, our family was returning from Kansas. We had just spent the Christmas holiday with my in-laws and were flying home late at night. I was staring out the window of the plane into the darkness, when I heard the voice of the Lord. His words were few; "When you get home, invite Billy to dinner and tell him more about me." I had no doubt it was the Lord speaking and I knew it was not a request. Turning to my husband, I shared what had just happened. We both agreed to do as instructed.
This is the part of the story I wish I could change: somehow go back and rewrite the script. I want to share how we phoned Billy the next day and that he accepted our invitation to dinner and the Lord's invitation to eternal life. But that is not what happened. Looking back I see how fear of rejection and losing of a client kept us from making the call immediately. Rather than heed the Lord's instructions we resolved to get through New Years before we extended the invitation. Tragically, we received a call just after New Years Day, that Billy passed away unexpectedly.
Billy died ten years ago and still the pain of my disobedience burns when I think of him. I have no idea if Billy gave his heart to the Lord before he passed. I like to think God provided another soul to pray the prayer of salvation with him in my absence. Sadly, this side of heaven I will never know. Though I am filled with regret, I am helpless to change a thing.
Oswald says, "If I love my friend, I will instinctively understand what he wants." I knew in my heart that Jesus was calling me to action. Unfortunately, I allowed my head to put off my response. The result is a deep ache in my spirit and the possible eternal loss of a soul: not to mention any joy missed in guiding a lost lamb to the fold. I have wept bitter tears over Billy and this wasted opportunity to be used by God. I have asked the Lord to forgive me and I know He has. Forgiving myself was more difficult, but I have done so. I have also come to experience time and time again the good God has brought forth from this sad experience. The Lord is so faithful to His Word!
A few years later, the Lord spoke to me in the very same manner of a dear neighbor. "Go tell Pat, I love him and want to have a relationship with him." While it took me several passes of his home, I was determined to risk the friendship to be obedient. I sat with my elderly friends and told them of the Lord's message. I shared with them about Billy also. Remarkably, this story has quite a different ending. Following our visit, these friends were inspired to respond to the Lord's invitation. They promptly began attending church services, became members, and are today actively serving in their fellowship. Pat on a regular basis distributes New Testament Bibles to students at local high schools, and these two beautiful souls have brought the Lord to their grandchildren and additional neighbors.
The Lord has been very good to me. His gift of a second chance encouraged my spirit. Likewise, it inspires me every day to heed the promptings and instructions of the Lord. Sometimes, I tremble as I "obey" what I believe He has asked me to do. Sometimes, I giggle at His requests. Regardless, I am thankful for the gift of His voice. God speaks and I am eager to hear what He has to say. I constantly pray that I may have the courage to do as He instructs. For truly, hearing and obeying the voice of the Lord can be a life or death situation.
Hearing the Lord is not difficult when we set our minds to be his friend. For a friend loves at all times,(Proverbs 17:7), and Jesus says "you are my friends if you do as I command," (John 15:14NIV). How I pray we will all be friends to Jesus.
No comments:
Post a Comment