Deeper Connection for a Better Life

Have You Heard the Voice?

Where Did It Take You?

Last night I had the good fortune to speak with a man twenty years my senior. John has had a good life but not one without trials. His most recent trial was burying his second wife. He lost both wives to cancer less than twenty years apart.

The week of the second wife’s passing was also the same week his youngest daughter had surgery for a just-discovered bout with cancer. One more challenge nobody wants to go through.

This gentle man struck me as a man of integrity who loved his family deeply and walked in faith, trying to do the right thing — not perfectly but purposefully.

John told me story after story of hearing The Voice throughout his life. Stories of him being pointed toward things that were good for him and his family.

Other stories of his concerned The Voice steering him away from events that inevitably turned out to be wrong and, at times, life-threatening. No explanations came along with what he heard when he heard his “steering.” Simply a direction — “Go this way, or, Do not go that way.”

He chose to trust without a guarantee or promise. Many of his life choices were solely based on The Voice he heard in his heart and mind.

After he shared his story, I reflected on the times when I’ve heard that Voice too. The Voice, the whisper of God, in my heart and mind.

Sometimes I followed the guidance, and it ended up leading me to a better place. I found myself in areas of opportunity where I experienced good fortune and abundance. I had incredible experiences that created wonderful memories I revisit frequently as they bring me joy. And I have been led into lifelong relationships with people I came to love and cherish that have lasted decades.

Other times, when I heard The Voice, I chose not to follow the guidance.

Sometimes I ignored it and told myself, “This doesn’t matter because I want what I want.” Even when it pursued me gently and repeatedly, I continued to ignore it.

Other times, I argued with that Voice or debated it. And because I was committed to what I wanted instead of what was right for me, I ran headfirst into brick wall after brick wall out of willfulness and selfish desire.

Some of those choices put into play events that led to complicated relationships and business situations. They also led to a loss of income, respect, and opportunities.

Sometimes the outcomes were small losses or little difficulties. Other times the problems are extreme, the losses profound, and the pain both intense and long-lasting.

Last night, as I walked across the parking lot to get into my truck and drive home for the evening, The Voice nudged me to turn around and visit with John.

I’m glad I listened.

I needed a reminder to trust the only thing in life that is completely worthy of our trust and the whispers that come from Him.

Keep the Faith. Love Wins.

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