Jesus called a child to stand by Him and said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and BECOME LIKE LITTLE CHILDREN, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, WHOEVER TAKES THE LOWLY POSITION OF THIS CHILD IS THE GREATEST IN THE KINGDOM of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” (Matt. 18:3-5) A young child is not filled with ambition, pride, and haughtiness and is therefore a good example for us. Children are naturally humble and teachable. They do not develop the undesirable traits until they hang around us for some time.
For several years my wife and I were the Deans of our youth camps. I have spent a lot of time with children and youth, counseling and teaching them. One question I always tried to ask them is “does the Lord talk to you?” Most often the younger ones (including my own children) answer “yes.” Many adults say that everything we need to know about God is in the Word. That is true but where should I go to school? What kind of work should I do? Who should I marry? These and many other personal issues are not found in the Bible. That’s why God says, “Call to Me and I WILL ANSWER YOU, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jer. 33:3) David stated, “When I am in distress, I call to you, BECAUSE YOU ANSWER ME.” (Psa. 86:7)
WILL, why do you think we have difficulty hearing the Lord or even believing that we can hear the Lord speak to us? OK, think about this, the most valuable and powerful tool we have is the Word of God. The Word of God is living, it’s alive and extremely powerful (Heb. 4:13). (II Tim. 16:17) Tells us that every Word of God is inspired (breathed out) by God. Unfortunately not very many people regular read the word! The devil knows the value and power of the Word of God and he will do all he can to keep us from it. We must “…seek you with all our heart; do not let us stray from your commands. I have HIDDEN YOUR WORD IN MY HEART that I might not sin against you.” (Psa. 119:10-11)
So, WILL, read and memorize the word, believe that the Lord will speak to you and direct your path.
-Bill Stockham