I hear you

There are many who view the Christian faith with a great deal of skepticism. Some may view those who participate in it as a bunch of fanatics lost in the hogwash of perpetuated myth.

Even in "church" on Sunday, I think there are many who are not sure that they really believe.

Given the little evidence of real relationship in some western church circles with a living God as is described in the Bible, I am saddenned but nor sure if I can blame those who wonder if the faith is real.

It is most basic to the Christian faith that receiving Jesus' offer of forgiveness by way of payment for sin on the cross allows direct access and personal relationship with God. Basic to this relationship with God is that experientially we are in conversation with him. We speak to him by one means or another and he, in some way, speaks to us.

The Bible is clear in this assertion. Jesus talks about this relationship in the book of John: "His sheep follow him because they know his voice." Hearing, knowing and following God's voice of instruction, then, is basic to the Christian life. I have found it to be a means of survival. How many "talk" to God? What does he tell you?

Let me tell you a story: Some time ago I was in Ukraine at a leadership conference for messianic rabbis. Participants were leaders of congregations of Jewish folks who have embraced Jesus as their messiah. One was a woman who stood and told of her visit to a central Asian country. I was fascinated to hear about the Jewish community in a mountain enclave of an otherwise closed and Muslim country.

The sharing was finished and a time of worship began. I found myself praying for this community and asking God to do something there. Following the worship a man approached me. He spoke Russian, and through an interpreter told me that God had shown him that I was to go to this place. It registered but I must admit it was easily brushed off as simply an interesting occurrence.

The next morning as we gathered again for teaching and worship I saw a friend of mine. She was from the states and jokingly told me that she was mad at me because all night she had prayed for me and didn't sleep well. I told her that I was not really sorry and was instead thankful for the prayer. This friend spoke only English and could not have had conversation with the man who had spoken with me the day before. She began to relate to me that all night she had prayed about me and that God had shown her that I was to go to this same central Asian country. God was beginning to get my attention!

During our worship time that morning I was approached by another man. This gentleman spoke Ukrainian. Again through an interpreter he began to tell me that ... you guessed it -- go to that village in that central Asian country. Now I was hooked. The language barriers meant that this was no human conspiracy. God was in fact calling.

I sat at my seat during the teaching and began to make a list of all that would be needed in order to go. There would have to be inside contacts due to the close nature of this country. There would be certain equipment that was necessary. I would need a couple of others to go with me. My list continued on.

After the teaching, the leader introduced me and said that the group should pray for me. He was unaware of all that was developing but sensed the need for prayer. These dear brothers began to pray. As they did I was shocked as I understood through the interpreter that they were praying for every item I had just included on my list.

Needless to say, God had spoken ... so I went.

Next week: Part 2 of this story.

The Bible is clear. Those who are in relationship with God through Jesus will hear his voice. He will direct us. Have you heard him speak? What has he told you? If you haven't, is the problem him or is it possible you don't hear him because you are not one of his sheep?

Am I crazy or what?