Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT)
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."
Among the most memorable stories John shared in week one, the infamous Bird Story is the most so. I don’t understand John’s blushing embarrassment over the issue, because God makes a habit of speaking in mysterious ways. You have to look no further than Scripture to witness that. Just to give you an idea of what I’m talking about, consider a few ways in which God spoke to His people: a burning bush, an ass (no, not me…of the donkey variety), other people (prophets, priests, pastors), dreams, visions, angels, rocks, out of nowhere, even birds. You get the picture. There is a precedent for God’s speaking in unusual ways.
We've established that God speaks and that it's often in mysterious ways. Now comes the real issue. If God is speaking, are we listening? Or rather, God is speaking; Are we listening? Hopefully, the answer is a resounding yes. If not, this naturally leads us to another important question, how do we listen to God, how do we notice the “birds“? Here are some helpful tips.
1. Belief. You must believe in God and that He draws pleasure from communicating with His children.
2. Seek. If you want anything bad enough, you are willing to go after it. Jesus says, “Seek and you will find me.”
3. Subtle things. (whispers and reminders) God doesn’t speak out loud (usually). So, its important that we’re attentive in the small things of life. His is a whisper among the screaming of the world.
4. Backed up by Scripture. (stories and principles) Because he doesn’t contradict Himself, whatever He relates to you can be backed up by Scripture. And not by one random verse you try to use for your own purposes. It will be backed up time and time again.
5. Always out of love. Everything God says and does is out of love. Because He is love. If the messages you’re getting aren’t saturated in love, your messages aren’t coming from Yahweh.
6. Verifies through others. This is one of the principles spoken of in number four. Most times (in my experience anyway), the Lord verifies the message He is trying to get across to me by using another person. Whether it’s a spouse, best friend, mentor, or pastor, either run the message through them or listen closely to see if they say anything pertaining to your message.
7. Conviction. A message from God is usually followed by a burden. Not an overwhelming one designed to drag you down. But more of a feverish desire to carry out the message you've been given.
