Please do not reply to this email.
To respond to the devotional, please email
the Rev. Jane Ferguson at jferguson@stmartinsepiscopal.org.
Listening for God’s Voice
 
“He said to me, “Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.” As he spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me.”
Ezekiel 2: 1-2 NIV

In all the kerfuffle of an international trip, life with Covid, the business of work and ministry, and the joy of family life, I think I have forgotten recently to allow God time to talk to me.

When I read these verses about Ezekiel being called to be a prophet, I’m reminded that the voice of God can be still and small, an unexpected thought, a moment of revelation or a simple “I’d-wear-a-sweater” thought as I stand in my closet in the morning on what is, unbeknownst to me at the time, forecast to be a cold day. However, the voice of God can be loud and undeniable too; it can sound like an external and audible voice.

Sometimes the voice of God is more a deep, pure sense of peace after making a hard decision; or it is the nagging feeling in the pit of your stomach that there is more to a situation, decision or scenario. Sometimes, it will be the constant resurfacing of a job or opportunity, until we finally have the courage to take steps toward it.

We are most fulfilled when we are walking in step with God, when we are continually listening to His voice throughout the day and when making decisions both small and large.

To do this, we must, of course, first KNOW the voice of God. The scripture shows us His character, His tone, His love and His way of working in the world; it is by reading it that we are eventually able to discern His good voice amidst the myriad of less helpful voices we hear.

Then we must learn to wait—to be silent and to listen. For when God speaks—as He always does—we are like Ezekiel: raised to our feet and called to action with new purpose.
The Rev. Jane P. Ferguson
Associate for Family and Student Ministries
If you know someone who would like to receive our daily devotions,
please forward your copy to a friend.