Pray, Listen, Obey

I can’t do a solitary thing on my own: I listen, then I decide. You can trust my decision because I’m not out to get my own way but only to carry out orders. If I were simply speaking on my own account, it would be an empty, self-serving witness. But an independent witness confirms me, the most reliable Witness of all John 5:31-32

Earlier in this same chapter, Jesus says that He can do nothing independently of the Father. Here He reiterates that same truth, only goes a step further detailing how that works. He seeks the Father’s will, listens then chooses to obey, not to get his own way or use his own wisdom but is always dependent on the Father for orders. When the Father speaks, He listens. What He sees the Father do, He does. Where He sees the Father go, He goes. He is always eager to participate in whatever the Father is doing.

The words that shouted out to me today were: “listen,” and “obey”.  I am to have no agenda other than to carry out the Father’s will.  Listening takes time and discipline as we must clear our thoughts and focus on the Father’s words to us. If Jesus did not speak or act without first seeking the Father’s wisdom and will, how can I do less? Can listening only be done on the quiet mountain, or in a prayer room, or can it be done during the daily battle? Can we become so attuned to the Father, like Jesus, that we hear His voice amidst the chaos around us? Is it possible that once the mind and heart are trained to constantly be tuned to the Father’s voice, listening can become second nature? Not by our might or will power but, by the power of the Holy Spirit living in us, are we enabled to listen and then obey.

Father, I still have many lessons to learn about listening and obeying as I continue this journey with You. My desire is to be like Jesus and show Your love to the world around me. I realize I must choose daily to come to You for wisdom and direction and listen closely before speaking and acting out of my own desires. You have provided the power, but I must make the choice. Help me Jesus!