Have you ever rented a vehicle in a different country?
If you have, you may have noticed that the radio came with a bunch of preset stations.
If you’re used to listening to Spotify or plugging in your device into an aux cord, then this may come as a surprise to you.
Depending on who drove the car last, or what the dealership presets, each vehicle has been programmed to specific radio stations.
For most people, this isn’t a problem, because if they don’t like what they are hearing, they either turn the radio off or try to play their own music.
If your car doesn’t have an aux cord or bluetooth, before turning off the radio, might I suggest that you turn the radio dial and try to find a station that plays your kind of music?
Yes, this may seem like a tedious task, but you never know what’s out there if you don’t seek.
Now, I’m not just telling you this because I want you to play around with the radio dial in your car. I’m actually trying to show you what to do when you get into a rut.
See, for many of us, we can get caught up in routines and “presets” for life.
For example:
High School -> College/University -> Job -> Marriage -> Have Kids
Now don’t get me wrong, these are all good things, and I’m sure they will give you great joy. But let me ask you, did you set those up or did someone set them up for you?
If we go through life from one thing to the next without asking God what He wants for us, we might be missing out on something great.
When was the last time you turned your “radio dial” of life to see what God is saying? When was the last time you checked in with God on a decision about your life?
One of the scriptures I’m reminded of is:
We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.
– Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)
Maybe take some time right now to do Listening Prayer Exercise for an area of your life that you need direction in (See Below for details).
Practice Listening Prayer
Take a moment and ask the Lord a question – practice hearing HIM!
Step 1: Ask God to give you direction in “Church/Family/Work/City – anything you want”
Step 2: Tell Him that you are willing to do whatever He tells you – and mean it!
Step 3: Write down the question you have and ask God to speak to you as you read His Word (2 Timothy 1 – or any chapter you want!)
Example Questions: What do you want me to grow in this season? How can I help others today? How do I parent my children at this time? Should I reach out to someone? How can I help my company? etc.
Step 4: If a word, phrase, sentence or passage seems to stick out and speak to your question, write it down.
vs 3, “….”
vs 8, “…”
Step 5: In listening prayer, after your reading, ask God to give you a word, thought, picture, or Scripture to either get direction, or confirm the direction you think you’re receiving.
E.g.
Bob: you want me to grow in patience? I don’t have time for that!
God: Now is a good time
Bob: …
Father, I pray that as we seek you for guidance and wisdom in our lives, that you would speak to us. Determine our steps and our stops according to your purposes and will for our lives. Lead us and direct us by your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!