Don't Be Swindled

Years ago when I worked as a bank teller, I became familiar with the look and feel of our currency, but I was far from an expert. The head teller, however, could accurately discern a counterfeit bill instantly due to years of handling cash regularly. A mere touch, a glance, and she knew. She recognized the counterfeit by knowing the authentic. That impressed me.

I once read a book that talked about discerning God's voice more keenly. It said that there are some serious times ahead, that hearing God accurately is something we all need to practice, and that God's direction could literally mean the difference between life and death for us. Think about that.

I took that instruction to heart. I desire God's voice to rescue me from unforeseen troubles, even danger. Like a toddler who runs wildly towards a busy street, I need God's "No!" to stop me in my tracks before it's too late. I need His voice to guide me and give me direction daily.

My desire was soon tested. I visited a nearby town to run a few errands and drop my (then middle-school) son at a birthday party. I had hastily scribbled down directions to his friend's home three weeks earlier and taped them to my cupboard. Naturally, after our last errand I realized that the directions were still taped in my kitchen 25 miles away. I had no phone number and no clue where to go. My two kids sat in the back seat wondering how on earth we were going to find a place we'd never been before.

So I prayed. And I drove.

I drove and I prayed.

15 minutes later, after only one wrong turn and to our utter amazement, we miraculously ended up in the driveway of the birthday boy's home. I literally danced a jig right in their driveway, exclaiming to his befuddled parents, "I forgot the directions to your house - but God got us here!"

That is the value of accurately discerning our heavenly Father's voice. God is nothing if not practical. He cares about the details of our lives...even forgotten directions to a birthday party. The enemy hopes we'll fall for his phony directions. God yearns for us to know His voice unmistakably, so we'll never fall for a counterfeit.
"When he has brought his own sheep outside, he walks on before them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will never [on any account] follow a stranger, but will run away from him because they do not know the voice of strangers or recognize their call." John 10:4-5 (Amplified Bible)


8 comments:

Rachel Beran said...

Julie,

This "hit home" for me because the store where I work recently received a phony 5 dollar bill. It looked so close to the real thing. I think that's how the enemy's voice is...so close to the real thing.

I long to know His voice more and more. That means getting to know Him better and better.

Thanks for another great post!

Kelly said...

**off topic**
You are too amazing. After hearing your back story, I think you are super amazing. Smile.

I think it's because you won't be swindled (on topic!) because you know the one and only authentic God.

Billy Coffey said...

I can just picture you standing in that driveway and saying that. So funny!

But I agree. I think now more than ever it's so important to discern God's voice. And not only that, but be like you and willing to go where He leads.

Terri Tiffany said...

Hello! I saw your story from Kelli's blog! And noticed you are a FLoridian as well:) I also had a devotoional in Penned from the Heart a few years back.
Great blog! I enjoyed your thoughts today.

Cheryl Barker said...

Julie, I popped over from Kelli's blog and so glad I did. Looks like we have some things in common besides our blogging friendship with Kelli -- we both write, both have a devotion in Daily Devotions for Writers, and we both love chocolate! :)

Blessings as you write and speak for Him!

Tammy said...

Our God cares about our everyday life.
I imagine Him smiling as you pulled into the driveway and saying to the angels..."Did she except anything less?" :)

There are times when I say "thank you" to Him and He responds "You're welcome." Love those moments.

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

That's some good communication, friend! How I pray to clearly hear the voice of my Father as I go ... day in and day out.

peace~elaine

Gwen Stewart said...

Ah Julie, what words of wisdom you have for us. So, so true.

Many times I have felt the still pressing on my heart of God's voice, which is how it usually feels for me. Other times He's used other means, but it's always all good, and as you said, practical and straighforward.

God bless you today!

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