Mark 13:1-11
Jesus was speaking with some of His disciples about what they could expect in the future. He was giving them very specific warnings and instructions (that even apply to us today). In fact, one particular instruction I have relied on more times than I can count. And, ironically, it was this very verse that had me stumped. Have a look at verse 11 of chapter 13 and don't laugh.
About when you are arrested and stand trial, don't worry about what to say in your defense. Just say what God tells you to. Then it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit. Mark 13:11
Yeah. I know. Just say what God tells you to… listen to His voice. It’s simple. But it’s not always easy. On the day that I was writing this devotional, my kids were all home. There was no school, so in our home there were many voices. Laughing voices. Arguing voices. Beckoning voices. There were even voices from people I had never met, like Buzz Lightyear in the family room and singer Stacie Orrico in my daughter's bedroom. Yes, on this particular day, our house was filled with voices. All the while, I was trying desperately to hear His Voice. And finally, I did. I wish I could tell you it was crystal clear – audible – as vivid as my words are right now. But it wasn’t. I didn’t say it isn't. Just that on this particular day, it wasn’t that way for me.
To hear God's Voice, I had to listen to my heart. Jesus said that out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. And if I am truly allowing God's Spirit to overflow in my heart, isn't that where I will hear Him speak? As I grow closer to Jesus, I will have a connection with God that only His Spirit can provide. A living, loving connection that will enable me to not be afraid of the next moment, the next step, the next word. Because I know He will live them, take them, speak them through me.
All I need to do is to listen for His voice.
