The Shadow Of My Porch Swing - The Presence Of God - Part 3Sample

WHAT DID YOU SAY?

Often in life, I have moments where I don’t hear something clearly. Usually it’s with a family member and my imagination tends to jump to the negative. What did they say? I can’t believe that. Do they really think that? I even do it with God. I’ll hear a sermon, podcast or speaker and if I get distracted I think “What? Really? Is that what God really says?” The temptation often is to file it away and accept the more ‘educated person’s statement’ instead of reading the Bible for myself. 

Currently, my days are still filled with a little sidekick who needs me to read signs for him. Today at the museum, we were standing by a new hands-free water fountain that didn’t have buttons. As we try (and fail) to get it to turn on, I tell Nathan, “No you don’t have to push the circle, it’s hands free.” He promptly responds, “Maybe it’s hands four” and holds up four fingers in front of it. I chuckle at his statement and stoop closer to his ear to read the sign to him again. For him, free equals three and he can’t read, so he misheard and therefore misunderstood the directions.

The same goes with God. It is important to be in the Word for myself, not just hearing it from other sources. When I invest in face-to-face time with God’s truth, read and understand the very directions He has set out for me, then my actions can be effective and produce life-giving water.

Have you ever wondered “Did God really say that?” Even Satan posed that very same question to Eve in the Garden of Eden. Take time right now to study some Bible verses regarding your questions. 

Father, you promise that when I seek You, I will find You. Today as I bring my doubts or concerns to You, lead me to the truth. Speak clearly to my heart where I can understand. I know you are trustworthy and Your words refresh my soul and give me life.