There is so much hype in the reality TV world today over trying to find, the voice, the idol, the x factor (whatever that means), the survivor, the amazing racer…etc. While this might be entertaining to some extent, how often are we trying to find God’s voice, idols to be destroyed, the Savior, and His amazing love? I was prompted to think about this after reading about a missionary named Sarah Young. Like me, she’s spent years writing her own thoughts and words into prayer journals. No doubt her journals, like mine, contained a laundry list of “oh help me”, “oh help so-and-so”, “oh give me”, with a bit of praise thrown in here and there. One day, Sarah “decided to be more attentive to the Savior’s voice” by listening to Him for a change. She would ask Jesus to speak to her, inviting Him to lead the conversation, and would write it down. This eventually became a devotional entitled, Jesus Calling.

I read an article about Mrs. Young about a month ago, but it wasn’t until one of my improv students gave me her book last week, that I actually began to ask God to change my prayers to include a time of listening to what He has to say about whatever He wants to talk about. I’m accustomed to listening for answers to my questions, but I’ve never made it a practice to sit in the quiet and wait for a word from Him… a word prompted from His heart and not my incessant need for knowledge. It’s only been a couple of days, but oh my goodness! His love is amazing.

I don’t have to go on an extensive search to find THE Voice. He’s right here. His presence is real, and He’s longing to speak lovingly to His children.

I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own…. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. ~ John 10:14, 27 (NKJV)