It was 2005, a very active hurricane season for the continental United States. I had traveled
with four youth and one other adult to Reynosa, Mexico to assist in ongoing ministry in the
colonias and churches in the area. As we crossed the border into Mexico, we were aware of a
growing hurricane entering the Gulf of Mexico with a projected path that might include
Reynosa. We continued our mission trip, knowing the path of hurricanes can adjust as they
move across the water.
Early in our time in Mexico, we realized the path of the hurricane was headed toward Reynosa,
which meant we needed to prepare. As we were preparing for the hurricane, I was struggling
with the limited cellular service to reach out to Nancy (my wife) who was back in Illinois. I wrote
in my journal, “During devotions this morning, God opened my eyes to an interesting and
challenging concept that is, ‘Do I want to hear Him (to hear His voice) with as much passion as I
want to hear from and hear Nancy’s voice?’” I was broken in that moment with the weight of
the responsibility of making decisions for my team, while feeling the weight of my desire for
affirming communication.
In Jeremiah 29:12-14a we read, “’In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me
wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,’ says the Lord.” God wants to hear our
voice. God wants us to seek Him with our whole heart. But not only does God want to hear our
voice, but God wants us to hear His still small voice. In 1 Kings 19:12b-13, “And after the fire
there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak
and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And a voice said, ‘What are you doing here,
Elijah?’”
A growing prayer life is a desire for my New Year. I want to spend more time in a posture of
speaking and listening, where my passion to hear the voice of God far exceeds my desire for the
voices of the people around me. Without a vibrant prayer life, I become weak, defeated, and
overwhelmed. When I spend time in vibrant, life-giving prayer, my ability to face each day is
based in my knowledge that I am not alone, and I am victorious.
Will you join me in a deeper life of prayer this year? God wants us to speak to Him and listen to
Him as we dive into this New Year. As we passionately seek the voice of the Lord, may the noise
of the world be silenced.
Prayer: Lord, I want to hear your voice. I want your direction for my life. Quiet the noises and
voices of this world that vie for my attention. I want to hear your still small voice and have
the confidence of your presence with me throughout this New Year. In Jesus’ name I pray.
Amen.