Numbers 22:21-39

If God can speak through that, can he not speak through anything?

The third way Mark Batterson, in his book, Whisper, conveys how we might hear God’s voice is by being aware of the doors that are suddenly opened; those that have been closed or non-existent in the past. I know that there are people who have prayed for a change in careers, a reconnection with family members or friends, and I’m sure many other desires for transition or changes in their circumstances of life. We think at times that things will not change but will always stay the same. But they rarely if ever do. And for most of us, we say we don’t like change … until we need things to change, right? We like to say, “if one door closes, then God will open a window.” Whatever the case may be or whatever you think is happening; it’s still God making a way where there wasn’t a way there before. Opening up new pathways, new possibilities and helping us see from new perspectives.

Often times though, we are so caught up into the distractions of our discontentment that we actually miss the unlocked, cracked open door. Our focus is on the struggle and the failure, rather than relying on our faith in God and the strength that comes from therein. If we could somehow step back in stillness; I believe God reveals an opening where there used to be obstacles. We just have to be attuned enough to the Holy Spirit to notice it.

It is my hope, that as we continue in our Advent journey toward Christmas, that we would step back from the busyness of the season, and bask in the presence of the One to be born in Bethlehem. I think when we do … a new birth won’t just happen in stable outside of town. It might just happen in the “vacancy” we all still have in our hearts.

Tim Beck is pastor of Kenbridge United Methodist Church. His email address is revtimbeck@ gmail.com.