pYesterday we talked about doing what God is asking of us directly, even when we can’t see how it’ll make a difference. Paul sets a really good example for us when it comes to this. The crew on board the ship, on the other hand, can help to show us the importance of listening to God when He’s speaking through other people. That can be even more tricky. The officer in charge of the ship ignored Paul’s warnings because 1) Paul was a prisoner and seen as an untrustworthy source, and 2) The ship’s owner and pilot were probably experts when it came to sailing. It seems completely logical, when looked at from their perspective, to carry on with the voyage and disregard Paul’s warnings. It’s so easy for us to do that, too. How many times have you felt like you’re inadequate to do something like sharing your faith because maybe you think the person you’re speaking to is more intelligent than you, and/or you’re afraid you won’t be able to show God to them? It’s so much easier for us to listen to the voices that tell us we can’t or we’re wrong, than it is to listen to our church leaders, or our Christian friends telling us that we can and we’re right. Waiting on God is more than hearing God speaking directly to your heart/mind/ears (although that *is* amazing). We can also learn to discern God’s voice when He speaks through others, and that’s such an encouraging thing. /p
pWhat now?br /
The next time you see one of your Christian friends, ask them to pray for you, out loud. Listen out for what God might be saying to you through their prayer./p