You'll Hear God When You Want To

Dec 7, 2014 You'll Hear God When You Want To by Rick Warren “You will search again for the LORD your God. And if you search for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him.” (Deuteronomy 4:29 NLT) You’re not going to hear God unless you really, really want it. I’m not saying it’s an option. I’m not saying it would be nice. It is a necessity! God doesn’t tell his dream for your life if you want to debate it. God doesn’t tell his vision for your life if you want to discuss it. God doesn’t tell you what he put you on Earth to do just so you can say, “Let me think about it.” No! It’s got to be a necessity. You have to say, “I’ve got to know why I’m here. I’ve got to know what you want me to do with my life. I’ve got to hear your voice. I’ve got to have your vision.” King David wrote in the book of Psalms, “My God, I want to do what you want” and “What I want most of all and at all times is to honor your laws” (Psalm 40:8 NCV, Psalm 199:20 CEV). David was passionate in his declaration that what he wanted most of all was to honor God. Being obedient and following God were not options for him. It was the only thing David wanted to do. He used words for seeking God like, “I long for it,” “I crave it,” “I hunger for it,” and “I’m like a dear panting for water.” When you get that desperate, you’re going to hear from God. A lot of people talk to God, but they never hear from God. For them, prayer is a monologue. But you can’t have a relationship with a monologue. What if I married my wife and talk to her, but she never talks to me? That’s not a relationship. You’ve got to have a conversation. Just as important as talking to God in prayer is listening to God and letting him talk to you. How does that happen? First, you’ve got to want it more than anything else. Deuteronomy 4:29 says, “You will search again for the LORD your God. And if you search for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him” (NLT). Guaranteed! Talk It Over What is the thing you want most in life? How does your life reflect that longing?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnLClg4oc6E Would you say that you are passionate for Christ? How can you cultivate passion for God in your life? With what attitude do you usually ask God for direction? Are you prepared to respond in obedience? God's Gifts TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: God's gifts and his call are irrevocable. Romans 11:29, NIV TODAY'S WORD: No matter where you’ve been, no matter what you’ve done, realize today that your destiny supersedes your mistakes. When God designed the plan for your life, it wasn’t dependent on you being perfect, never making a mistake or never taking a wrong turn. No, God knew we would all make mistakes. He knows how to get you back on track no matter where you are in life. Just like there are many routes on a map, God has a plan to help you reach your destination. He has detours, shortcuts and bypasses. He has already calculated the entire route for your life.  Today, if you’re feeling like you’ve blown it, if you feel like you are too old, too far gone or too far off track, know that nothing you’ve done, no mistake that you’ve made—or ever will make—is a surprise to God. He’s already got it figured out. He’s arranged a comeback for every setback! He has grace for every weakness. He has mercy for every failure. His gifts are irrevocable, so rise up in faith and receive the good things He has in store for you! PRAYER FOR TODAY: Father, thank You for the gifts and talents You’ve given me. Thank You for keeping me on track and ordering my steps. Keep me close to You always as I set my love on You in Jesus’ name. Amen.