April 07, 2008

The Voice Behind You - Violet Nesdoly

Your ears shall hear a word behind you saying, "This is the way, walk in it," whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.

- Isaiah 30:21 NKJV

I'm always wanting guidance - wanting to know what the next step is before I take it. This verse is interesting in that it implies God guides from behind: "Your ears will hear a word behind you..."? How does that work?

There are forks in the road. Do we go right or left? This verse seems to say we simply make a decision, take the steps and listen for the 'word behind us.' Seems like a good description of the life of faith.

I've experienced this. Sometimes I've taken on writing assignments for the simple fact that I've finished the last project and this one came along at just that time. There were no prophetic words, voices or holy thrills - not even a scripture verse on which to hang my hat. Not uncommonly I'll question whether I've made the right decision, especially when the writing gets tough or the piece gets turned down. Later, much later sometimes, I'll get confirmation that the project was a 'God thing' (it finally gets accepted, I get an email or note from someone saying it blessed them, it wins a prize, gets republished).

As far as I can see, this hearing the voice of confirmation behind us is the way we live our Christian lives most of the time.

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3 comments:

  1. Hi Violet,
    Your article is very perceptive. I appreciate it. Usually I look for an obvious sign in front of me, but like you shared from God's word, He often guides us from behind. It's like me and my "backseat driving" when my daughters take the wheel, only I'm not a still small voice!

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  2. Hey Violet. There is no end to learning how God works, is there? I like your shared thoughts on 'hearing the word behind...' It's so true - and it's great to have that great big 'I knew this was from you, God' thought even years down the road. Thanks for making me think! Glynis
    PS Congrats on the Utmost Poetry contest win! :)

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  3. Thanks, Fudge and Glynis. Sometimes I read words such as these that I've written and it's like a different person wrote them. Do you ever find that? Some lessons have to be learned and relearned.

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