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NASB | Proverbs 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Proverbs 3:6 In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]. |
Subject: Can we hear GOD? |
Bible Note: Dear Mouse, Many believers have followed the Holy Spirit into places that they would not have chosen. Read Foxe's Book of Martyrs. Read about the lives of Athanacius, Augustine, Naomh Padraig (Saint Patrick), Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Owens, Thomas Cramner, George Whitefield, Jonathan Edwards, David Brainard, William Carey, Charles Spurgeon, etc. As the Holy Spirit works in the life of a believer, there builds a burning desire for things of God no matter the cost. Job speaks of this (Job 32:18-19), as did David (Psalm 39:3), as did Jeremiah (Jeremiah 20:9; 23:9), as did Paul (Acts 18:5; 1 Corinthians 9:16-17), etc. John Knox' fervent prayer was, "Great God, give me Scotland, or I die!" However, as God uses you, be very, very wary of the least bit of pride -- for every one of us is and will be susceptible to exactly that temptation. Remember, it is not your ability, effectiveness, enthusiasm, experience, intelligence, knowledge, perspicuity, righteousness, sincerity, or willingness that has caused God to choose to use you. Indeed, quite the contrary! (Please read 1 Corinthians 1:26-29.) (I do not intend to dampen your spirits or make accusation. Rather I speak from experience.) The more helplessly dependent you are on God rather than yourself, the more He will use you. The whole goal of the universe -- including you and I -- is to magnify only Himself, for He is infinitely worthy. Therefore, I'd encourage that you always shift the glory back to God. Try to serve Him in secret ways. Perhaps writing under a pseudonym. After all, all those calls, e-mails, hugs, and accolades really and truly belong to Him! It is all too easy to steal God's glory. We do well to keep in mind that He may well teach us humility by bringing humiliation into our lives. Are we as willing to follow Him into ignominy as we have been to follow Him into advancement and honor? Also, keep in mind that God never intended us to operate autonomously. Read Ephesians 4 and ask what are the other gifts that the Lord has given the church in addition to the Holy Spirit? For what purpose did He give those gifts? What happens to us in their absence? God bless you in your efforts to serve Him and depend on Him. In Him, Doc |