Ready to Listen

“When Jeremiah had finished giving this message from the LORD … all the other proud men said to Jeremiah, ‘You lie! The LORD our God hasn’t forbidden us to go to Egypt!'” – Jeremiah 43:1-2 NLT

Their request sounded sincere. All the army officers and the people “from the least to the greatest” approached Jeremiah, asking him to pray for them. Jeremiah agreed but made no promises except to tell them everything he heard from God. “I will hide nothing from you” (Jeremiah 42:1-4).

Despite appearing to be spiritual, they weren’t interested in what God wanted. They just wanted Him to endorse their personal desires. They hoped He would encourage them to go to Egypt. Instead, Jeremiah told them God wanted them to stay in Israel. This was not what they wanted to hear. Instead of accepting this as God’s direction, they concluded Jeremiah was lying.

Many people react this way. They may make promises to God but only want Him to confirm their desires. The Bible declares that He wants to bless us and answer our prayers, but He also asks us to listen and do what He says, regardless of our plans or the opinions of other people.

Today, ask yourself if you really want to hear from God. Do you want Him to answer your prayers? The Bible reminds us that He wants to teach you and bring new levels of blessing, but this must be on His terms.

Start by submitting your life to Him anew. Seek to do His will. He promises to bless and guide you and bring you to new levels of victory.

Reflection Question: What is God saying to you through the pages of Scripture?