Ever read words on a t-shirt and sensed God speaking?
I have.
Hannah had a sleepover with a neighbor friend last week. The next morning, before I had my coffee(half asleep), I saw this t-shirt on her friend. I grabbed my camera and snapped this shot. I had to. It spoke with force.
You see I’ve been wrestling with God lately. Seeing this t-shirt showed me clearly what I look like when I refuse to listen to God. I don’t like the idea of wearing this shirt in public. The pride in me wants another phrase like, “Here I am, Lord, listening and obeying all the time.”
Even though I write these Stop, Look and Listen posts, I’m learning I don’t always listen. Sure, I listen enough to share an encouraging word to you, but when God’s instruction is hard or too risky, I plug my ears. I tune Him out–on purpose. Actually I argue, trying to convince God of my shortcomings and telling Him why I shouldn’t do what He is asking me to. Words like “You’ve picked the wrong person.” “I’m not trained.” “I’m not that talented.”
It’s a funny thing walking by faith. I beg for wisdom and direction and then God answers, “Go this way.” I say, “Lalalala, I can’t hear you.”
Something has to change. I’m tired of wearing worn out logo t-shirts. It’s time to choose my clothes wisely. Maybe I should use my mirror the next time I get dressed and look at my heart.
“Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don’t act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like,” James 1:22-24(The Message)
Jesus, thank You for bringing to my attention in a vivid way what it looks like to not listen. You speak through anything to grab my heart. What a gift to know You pursue me first thing in the morning. Forgive me for not listening lately. I struggle with fear and doubt. Help me pitch all my old t-shirts in the trash. It’s time to wear words You design. Words from Your Word. Logos I can live by and make a difference! Amen.
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Thank you for stopping by for another Stop, Look and Listen where I share how God speaks through the simple, the everyday and the ordinary.
Tiffany,
I love your visuals! They really hit home with me. I too am a lot like that spoiled child who digs in and puts their finger in their ears and cries out, Not Listening!
I am so glad that God loves with the grace He does. Then again sometimes I need to learn a lesson in the pain I must go through to always trust, always turn to Him and always thank Him for everything that happens.
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
Great message.
Very nice message – I was listening today:) Blessings..
Tiffany. Thanks for the encouragement on my blog! What a great post for today! Love it and your transparency. Thanks for that!
Much love,
Angela
Oh ouch. This is exactly what I needed to read tonight as I am faced with something.
Thank you!!!
Very creative, Tiffany. You do hear.
This post certainly got me thinking…and listening. Thanks.
Thank you for praying for me and the other women at SheSpeaks…God heard your prayers and answered them…maybe you will have a chance to go sometime and then you will see how prayer makes such a difference in lives, especially your own, at this conference.
God bless you!
Connie
Help me Lord to recognize when my hands are on my spiritual ears refusing to listen to your wisdom. and Help me want to remove them.
Thank You Father for this lesson today. I know I've plugged my ears when you've spoken. I pray that I will not be able to plug my ears and will hear You. In Jesus' name, amen.
I am sure many a days God is asking me, "If you didn't want the answer then why did you bother to ask me?" l
Great Post, thanks for sharing =o)
As I read your Stop, Look & Listen, I was reminded of the verse that punctures my heart every time I read it:
"Listen, Listen to Me, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare." Isaiah 55:2b (NIV)
Why don't we realize that when we don't listen, we sacrifice God's very best? When will we learn this….and stop being so stubborn?
thanks for the post!
amy
Thank you for the reminder, Tiffany. God is also working with me. There is always so much to learn, oh that my ears would be open to hear.
This is a very powerful word Tiffany. B
Oh, I forgot to say…I have a shirt like that but I don't model it in public. Forgive me Lord. You always know best. B
Love this post, I smiled when I read the part about saying lalala I can't hear you to God. Isn't it funny how we often act like little children when dealing with our heavenly father?
As always your stop look and listen post made me think.