The Voice of God

God opens doors...He closes 'em too. For we have a perfect Father who wants the very best for us. Just think, when we get to Heaven no one shall hunger or thirst and all tears will be wiped away (Revelation 7:15-17). But often the will of God, and the reasoning behind it, is straight up incomprehensible.

His ways are higher than our ways, and thoughts are higher than our thoughts - Isaiah 55:7-8

Earlier this year, God closed a door that I thought was a great opportunity. I was invited back for my second year with a conference called the Christian Economic Forum. The year before was incredible. Let me tell you...my spirit got FED. God helped me learned about faith-driven entrepreneurship, and how people were stewarding their God-given resources. He allowed me to network among some of the most prolific Christ-centered laborers around the world.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

As I was going to reapply, something felt off. Ay quick gem on the different between how God and the devil sounds. Clasp your hands together. Notice how that feels? Gentle, consistent, firm, loving, peaceful etc. Now switch so your other hand is on top. Ew. That is the voice of deception, manipulation, confusion, doubt and restlessness etc. It's tremendously important to know the difference between the voice of Jesus and the accuser.

Anyway, this impression was more like who I know God to be. It didn't seem misleading, but pure and hopeful. Stubbornly, I ignored the conviction and tried to fill out the application and everything regardless. Man, it was like trudging through quicksand. Nothing was working. Still unsure what force was making this process difficult, I had to put my discerning hat on, and test the spirit (1 John 4:1). I fasted for a couple days to quiet my flesh. I prayed persistently that the Lord would give me comfort and peace about this decision one way or another. After awhile, the voice of God spoke clearly letting me know ... do not apply.

At the time I was troubled. It didn't make sense. I would literally be going to a Christian conference, God why would you not want me to do this "righteous" thing? Out of faith, I left that week in July open on the calendar. A few months later, my buddy reached out. He told me that his family's ministry Give Hope Global would be doing a week long mission trip to Ghana. He was excited to tell me that a spot had opened up as someone dropped out and they needed a sports guy to play soccer and evangelize with the boys. I'm a sports guy! I can play soccer! I can evangelize! Yup, you guessed it...the mission trip was in July. The exact week the conference would've been.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose - Romans 8:28

In this walk, there are blessings and brokenness. When circumstances prevail, it's human nature to want to label it quickly. We want to take credit for the blessings, or write off the brokenness. But to have faith is to be expectant that when God closes a door right in front of our faces, He will surely provide a greater way out.

Reference Verses

• Therefore are they before the throne of God,

  and serve him day and night in his temple:

  and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.

  They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more;

  neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.

  For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them,

  and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters:

  and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

  • Revelation 7:15-17 (KJV)

• For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

  neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

  For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

  so are my ways higher than your ways,

  and my thoughts than your thoughts.

  • Isaiah 55:8–9 (KJV)

• 'For I know the plans I have for you', declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'

  • Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

• Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

  • 1 John 4:1 (NIV)

• And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

  • Romans 8:28 (NIV)