Trying To Hear Him?

I used to get frustrated when I was under attack. You know, when you get to that “throw in the towel point” but now I understand that it’s the enemy trying to throw me off track. We all have a preordained purpose that God has uniquely equipped us to accomplish. Your skill set can be used in kingdom building. God needs promoters, accountants, IT people, organizational developers and ministers all the like! When I feel that way now I have to bunker down and lock myself away with God and pray harder because I know that means I’m close to walking through the door of God’s favor.

Let me share something with you… recently I’ve been really struggling at work. I’m in sales and of course with the economy being down people are hesitant to buy anything or make any changes that they think will cost them money. I sale advance diagnostics to doctors and it’s been rough the last few months. It was starting to seem as if no matter how hard I tried I just wasn’t able to bring in business like I was when I started. It had even gotten to the point where I’d heard rumors of my effort being scrutinized and my skill-set being criticized. The week before last we did a week long fast as a family (my parents, sister, and myself) for new provision for the visions and things God has given us to do individually and as a family. We agreed that God has a great work in us and that we would be granted the things (health, finances, strength) we needed to accomplish that work soon. Sure enough yesterday I closed an account valued at about 60k a month. Soon after they told me that they would soon be purchasing another clinic of equal size. In 1 day I went from being questioned about performance to being praised for my diligence and effort. Today I got a call about a aptitude test I took at work. I was told I did extremely well and that they want to review the results with me and define what I want to do at the company. (he will make your enemy your footstools)

I learned all over again that we just have to trust him. I know it’s difficult. I know the many distractions of work, family, friends, stress, life, and etc come in our lives and make it very noisy at times. I’ve been getting numerous messages of confirmation that if you can be still in all that noise and wait on God he will faithfully provide an abundance. A good friend sent me an email about Luke 1:13. The story talked about Zecharia and Elizabeth before the birth of John the Baptist.

- Before their need is mentioned, their character is defined.(verse 6) This goes hand in hand with James 5:16… The effective fervent prayer of the righteous man availeth much.

- God hears your petitions and when he answers them, he magnifies your expectations (verse 7) He can do exceedingly and abundantly more than we ask him to do.

- Zechariah was chosen to burn the incense which was an exclusive honor. He thought that would be the highlight of his life until the angel came to tell him about the baby he would have who would prepare the way for the Savior.
He didn’t understand his ways (choices and things he perceived would be the best of his life) were not God’s ways. Don’t underestimate God’s ability. (verse 8-10)

- Zechariah had to be “gripped with fear” in order for God to get his attention (verse 12) Sometimes he uses adversity to get our attention

- The baby was named John, the name given to him from heaven. We should not want anything in our lives that God didn’t name (verse 13)

- Zechariah had to be silenced because his voice/lack of faith could have jeopardized his blessing (verse 20) SOMETIMES WE HAVE TO SIT BACK BE QUIET AND LISTEN FOR HIM!

For Zechariah it took silence for him to experience the manifestation of God’s blessing and favor.. the birth of his son his greatest honor and blessing!… Sometimes God is waiting on us to quiet our lives down enough for him to do the same for us.

Sorry for the length of this but I just wanted to share. Hope it blesses you.

Jeff Beckham