It was a busy Monday morning at Wildwood Adventist
School. I was just getting the students
settled into their individual assignments.
My three first graders were seated at the computer to begin
watching/listening to their math lesson.
Each student was adjusting their own headphones when, from across the
room, I heard the exclamation: “Miss Jennita, I can’t hear it!” The other two students could hear just fine
and she could not understand what was wrong with her headphones! Looking over her shoulder, I saw the problem
immediately...she had neglected to connect her headphones. She was going through the motions, but it was
not working.
It was a simple incident, yet even as I stood there trying
not to laugh as I helped her “make the connection,” I was overwhelmed by the power of this object
lesson. How many times have I said to
God, “I can’t hear it!” I plead for His
guidance, I pray for a revelation of His
will, I long to see His character...but when He speaks, I can’t hear it.
He speaks to me through the written word, through precious
promises, through words of warning and rebuke, through the accounts of God’s
servants, but sometimes it does not make sense to me, sometimes my stubborn
heart wants its way...I can’t hear it.
He speaks to me through nature, through the spectacular
colors of the sunset, through the mystery of the germinating seed, through the
cheery songs of the birds. But I am busy, I have other issues on my mind, and
there are too many other voices shouting in my ears...I can’t hear it.
He speaks to me through the leadings of His providence, but
I already have my cherished plans, I am too busy trying to do it my way...I can’t hear it.
He speaks to me through the counsel of a friend, a mentor,
or a minister of God. But I already know
who I can trust and I already know what I need to know...I can’t hear it.
And there I sit with bowed head, buried in my discouragement
and frustration, wondering why God has forsaken me. I have waited for an answer but none has
come. In vain I have searched for
answers in the fire, the wind, and the earthquake. I have waited for miracles and longed for His
approval...but I still can’t hear it.
But, have I really listened?
Have I taken the time to seek and know my Savior as my friend? Have I determined that He will hold first
place in my heart? Is my heart open “to
hear the faintest whisperings of His voice”? {TMK 328.2}
In all who are under the training of God is to be revealed a
life that is not in harmony with the world, its customs, or its practices; and
everyone needs to have a personal experience in obtaining a knowledge of the
will of God. We must individually hear Him speaking to the heart. When every
other voice is hushed, and in quietness we wait before Him, the silence of the soul
makes more distinct the voice of God. He bids us, "Be still, and know that
I am God." Psalm 46:10. Here alone can true rest be found. And this is the effectual preparation for all
who labor for God.” {DA 363.3}
