The Voice of Inspiration

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 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”-- John 10:27-28 (KJV)

How long is this going to last? Is this a punishment? What did I do to deserve such a trial?

Which job should I choose?

Is there a cure for this?

Why do bad things happen to good people?

Why me?

Where can I turn for help?

Why is life always so unfair?

These may not be questions a dedicated optimist would ask. (That's why I often ponder them.) Many people do have challenges that make them question their faith at times.

Life doesn’t always play out in perfect columns and rows, like a football playbook. Setbacks can make us feel like we’re moving in these mind-numbing formations:

• Spirals
• Unidentifiable scribbles
• Unending circles
• Jagged lightning bolts

God Recruits a Shepherd

Exodus, chapter 3, begins with the story of Moses and the burning bush. The future prophet had lived in the desert for decades. He had no reason to expect any major life changes. He had gone from being a prince of Egypt to tending sheep. Moses only knew poverty and injustice.

A miracle happened. The shepherd was called to Mount Sinai. God’s voice spoke from a bush that seemed to be on fire. That’s when Moses received the direction to return to Egypt and lead the Israelites out of slavery.

The scriptures tell us  the former prince questioned his calling. He was clearly  thinking, "Really? Me?!" Such an event was unheard of in the history of Israel for two reasons:

• The Jewish people had been slaves since the time of Joseph: about 400 years.
• God spoke to an unknown man in the desert.

“The Burning Bush”, by Lex de Azevedo

As you listen, please keep in mind these two important sentences. They clearly state the theme of the piece:

“Listen, my child, my questioning child--

Eager to know, yet unwilling to learn--

You have been touched by a spiritual flame

Brighter than bushes can burn.”

My Conclusion

Realistically speaking, life-altering marvels don’t happen often. In fact, individuals may never see any blazing plants, or hear God’s voice. What we do have is the quiet, still guidance from within.

Do you listen to your inner voice?