hearing God Archives - Sherry Stahl

That Voice Behind You

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left,
your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying,
“This is the way; walk in it.”
~Isaiah 30:21 NIV

Last week, Ethan a student from my former Bible College moved into with Todd and I, so he could complete his final internship before Graduation. Talk about making you feel old… he’s younger than my youngest kid, but in the age-range to be my child. Some of his friends are my former classmates’ kids. It’s such a small world!

The other night at dinner, we asked Ethan how he ended up at Bible College and his answer gave us goose-bumps.

Ethan said he felt God calling him to attend Bible College at the end of High School but wasn’t sure why. So, with questions left in his mind he decided to work for a year, then see how he felt. When the academic year started, he had this sinking feeling like he missed it; he should’ve taken the plunge and started College that September.

He Heard That Voice

Meanwhile in Peterborough, during the second week in the semester, a student felt God speaking to him that someone should have been there and wasn’t. When he shared this with some other students they began to intercede for whoever this person was.

A few days later, one of those praying students was on social media and saw a post from Ethan saying how he regretted not registering for Master’s College & Seminary this year and was going next year for sure. The student stirred up all the courage inside, pushed down the fear of looking like a weirdo and contacted Ethan to tell him what they had sensed during prayer that week. This was all the encouragement Ethan needed. He took that leap of faith and enrolled, starting classes the next week—keep in mind, this student on social media didn’t know Ethan… had never even met him before {Insert Goosebumps}

How cool is God?

Ethan’s story is such a great example of what Isaiah was talking about in today’s verse. The Holman Christian Standard Bible, titled this portion of Scripture, The LORD’S Mercy to Israel and it really does show God’s mercy. It seems the Israelites were again wandering from God’s will, unclear of His plan.

That Voice Behind You

You can only hear a voice behind you when you’ve gone the wrong way or went too far. It was in this time of course confusion that these directionally challenged people received a comforting promise. God spoke through the prophet Isaiah assuring them that even when they turned the wrong way, He would still direct their path. They may have to course correct, but He would surely let them know.

For all of you who may be like Ethan, wondering if you’ve gone the wrong way… open your ears to hear from God… when you sense his voice, take that leap of faith and follow that little voice behind you saying, “this is the way, walk in it”!

Prayer

Father… I’m so thankful for Your leading. I’d be lost without your guiding me. Help me to not be stubborn and go my own way but listen to You, so when I get off-course, as I inevitably will, I’ll hear Your voice behind me… calling me back. I want to follow wherever You lead. In Jesus Name…Amen

If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.