The air was crisp when I ventured out early one morning to walk Mount Hermon’s Sequoia Trail. Two days had passed at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference and I was eager to spend some time alone with my Lord, listening for His voice. I walked about a quarter mile among the beautiful redwoods before stopping to rest on a wooden bench. A bird chirped above me in the trees while gentle waters rolled across the rocks in a stream below.
Listening . . .
Just then I sensed God say to me, “Close your eyes and listen.” So I did. “How many birds do you hear?”
Up to this point, I had been aware of only two birds, one chirping above me and another off to my right. I closed my eyes and listened. Immediately, I heard a songbird behind me. Had it been singing all along? Then something resembling, “hoot, hoot” echoed high above the branches. Somewhere in the distance, a dove cooed. I began to count. Two … three … four … I hadn’t noticed that there were so many different birds nearby… five … There’s another one! … six … then down below a duck intruded on the chorus with an abrupt ‘quack!’… Seven! I count seven, Lord!
Wow, when my eyes were open, I only noticed two. How cool, I thought to myself; such variety! I started to chuckle as my mind wandered to my writing. Praying silently, I mused, which sound am I, Lord … the duck? I sensed God’s smile, “Your voice, my child, is still unheard.” I bowed my head, surrendering to His will when I heard Him continue, “… but one day it will be.” What an encouragement!
Your Unique Voice
I once read an article which explained that, just like fingerprints, every human being has a distinct voice pattern. Who knew? Our God is so creative! He created each one of us for a purpose. In fact, God has strategically gifted and placed YOU in this world to be His witness. When you surrender all of yourself to God: your ministry, your hopes, your dreams – you can trust that in His perfect timing, He will use it all for the glory of His Name.
(I wrote this article in early 2015 – several years before the first study in my “Behind the Seen” series was published.)
Shadia is a passionate Bible teacher, award-winning author and speaker. She holds a master’s in biblical and theological studies from Western Seminary and is author of several Bible studies, including TAMAR, HAGAR, LEGION, Worthy of Love, and her newest study, RAHAB, the fourth study in her “Behind the Seen” series. Subscribe for updates to learn about Shadia’a next study!
Precious….beautiful……thank you….
Thank you, Sandi; I’m so glad it blessed you! 😀
Thanks for sharing! I remember meeting you at Mt. Hermon.
Many years ago, God laid it on my heart to share a message. As a writer, it was natural for me to think : WRITE IT DOWN! Write an article. Write a book.
But God has often used me and shown me–we LIVE the message. For example, if God taught me He is trustworthy, then I hold onto that reality during difficult circumstances
And speaking about trusting God doesn’t have to wait till I’m standing behind a podium.
We share our testimonies—the lessons God has taught us, and the way He has changed our lives–by speaking to the people God brings into our life.
When we listen for God’s voice, we’ll know when and how to speak to others about the Great things HE has done.
May the Lord continue to use your voice.
And yes, I loved hearing the many birds! 🙂
Blessings, Karen – and amen! Thank you so much for your wise words and encouragement! 😀
Beautifully expressed, Shadia. I’m inspired by your encouragement to write and speak and meet God in the midst of nature. I identify with your passion and appreciate your message!
Blessings, Judy! Thank you so much for your kind words 🙂 To God be the glory!