GOD'S VOICE -IV

Finally, I want to say that God speaks to us through our LIFE EXPERIENCES. Noted Christian author, C. S. Lewis says – Pain is the megaphone of God. Truly, our sufferings and problems are also messages from God in the same way as our joys and comforts are a blessing from God. God is closest to us when we are in pain. He speaks to the broken hearted and forsaken. He never rejects the rejected, but chooses to be their companion and friend. God through our pains guides us into his will. And his will is to make us like himself! He therefore allows us to be moulded by our painful situations, sufferings and sickness into his own image. He refreshes us and renews us and grants us so much more than we could have ever imagined or desired. Pain allows us to think, seek and find. We learn to pray and to hear HIM speak. Pain quitens us and makes us meet our hidden selves. And inside all of us is GOD! So whatever situation we are in, we are in his range! We need to tune up and get in line with his wavelength. God is clear. Let us therefore choose to hear his clear warnings of love and change so that we may enjoy life and find our destiny! Amen.

GOD'S VOICE -III

The third way in which God speaks to us is through people. God reveals his plan for our lives through the words and actions of the people around us especially those who love us and know us closely. However we should have the discernment to know that even in this category, God uses only very few and selected people to convey his message to us. Words that are selfishly motivated or angry or with sinful intentions can never be from God – no matter who speaks them. However, reversely God can also use the harsh words of our critics to correct us! The best way to hear from God then would be through FAITH COMMUNITIES that are around us. They are to a large extent the voice of God because their basis is God and prayer. There is also a common bonding of supernatural love and friendship that unites the community and thus it makes it sacred, secure and selfless. Let us aim to join such a community where we are can hear the SPIRIT OF GOD and see God in action. Let us move from ourselves to others and thereby reach God.

GOD'S VOICE - II

Another powerful way of hearing the voice of God is by listening to our inner conscience and inspirations. The HOLY SPIRIT of God resides in each one us and wants to lead us on the way of LIFE and LOVE. However, since this ‘voice’ is so gentle, many a times we end up missing it or ignoring it. This is due to the fact that we are most of the time surrounded by various voices that are loud and demanding. These voices that come from the world leave us numb, tired, depressed and discouraged. Very seldom do they encourage us or give us the love and rest that we are seeking. What we need therefore is to quieten ourselves before God and let him speak to our souls. He wants to give us all that we need – guidance, inspiration and solace. We just need to draw near to him and he will embrace us. We only need to shut up or restless minds and shut out the noises of the world to receive his divine light and life. Don’t speak, just listen!

GOD'S VOICE - I

God speaks to us in various and different ways. I have realized that one of the most important ways is through the Scriptures. When we read or hear the Word of God (The Bible), God’s will, his ways and his plans are clear to us. The Bible is an inspired book and clarifies to us the nature and character of God, which is LOVE. Also we can realize that our life is a LOVE STORY written by a God who formed us, delights in us and cherishes us. He protects and preserves us and wants to bless us. However the irony is that we reject and refuse his Love and choose our own ways. From the first book of the Bible (Genesis) to its last chapter (Revelation), we see man’s rebellion, disobedience and mistrust. It is amazing to see that even though throughout history God has revealed himself to various individuals, communities and nations, yet they have chosen to ignore and disrespect him. However, even amidst this sin and confusion of humankind, God’s voice is clear and consistent. His love never ends and is completely personified in the life of Christ. Our past, present and future makes sense when we read the Bible. Our pain and suffering takes on a new dimension. Our problems are sorted out. And more than anything else our destinies are made clear – HEAVEN. All this leads to finding ourselves and our lost joy, peace and hope. God speaks but are we willing to listen?