Guidance . . . why wait? (Part 1)

Give and receive.  Speak and listen.  They are components of conversation.  They can also be components of relationship.  Author John Ortberg discusses the issue of people wanting God’s guidance.  When is it that we seek Him?  In Chapter 9 of his book The Life You’ve Always Wanted, Ortberg suggests we ask ourselves the question, “How often do I seek God’s guidance when I’m not facing trouble or a difficult decision?”  Do we consult the Lord only when our angst hits its hilt?  And how do we recognize His guidance anyway?  Ortberg encourages us to seek God before a crisis hits.  Don’t wait for a storm.  Ask the Lord to grow us internally to know His truth and joy now, to fortify us before the pressures swell.  Certainly the apostle Paul endured many storms.  He was shipwrecked, stoned, and beaten with rods.  He withstood hunger, thirst, and lack of sleep.  Yet he recognized the Lord’s provision of an angel, as told in Acts 27.  Paul heeded the angel’s message and found courage also for the sake of his shipmates.  The Lord did guide Paul.  And today the Lord desires to relate to us, to converse, to speak and listen, to give and receive—and guide throughout.  Lord, may we recognize Your voice and find joy in following Your hand.