Think of a time when you heard from God, whether it was a promise, a confirmation, or a conviction. What was your immediate response? Did you act on what He said, or did you sit and ponder whether it was really His voice? Maybe you were sure you heard what He said but still hesitated. (Disclaimer: It’s okay—we’ve all done it!)
Luke 2 says that when the angels told the shepherds the Good News about Jesus’ birth, they “hurried off” to find Him. Instead of waiting around and letting doubt creep in, they responded immediately. This took great faith! Certainly, they wanted to meet Jesus, but they also had earthly concerns. What would they do with their flock? Should they tell their families first? Were they dressed appropriately? Were simple shepherds really worthy of meeting the King of Kings? They didn’t let any of the questions we might have asked in the same situation keep them from quickly responding to God.
As we follow Jesus, we need to embrace this kind of faith. When we hesitate with God, we create a breeding ground for doubt, fear, and insecurity—none of which come from Him. When you hear a specific word from Him, trust His direction. He will equip you to do what He’s asked you to do. All you need to do is respond. Stir your faith today and decide in advance that you’ll move when God says to move, no matter what!
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your patience with me. Forgive me for the times I’ve hesitated when You have spoken to me. I want to follow Your plan for my life. Strengthen my faith, and help me to respond quickly when I hear from You.
Luke 2:15-20
When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.