Who Are You Listening To?

Many people toss the term “fake news” across our screens these days. News media, politicians, conspiracy theorists, skeptics, even our president. It takes a tremendous amount of time, research and insight to make heads or tails of what we are told. Often, we are at the mercy of those more “in the know” to only tell us what they want us to hear.

This is where the comfort of the Word of God catapults into the fray of the fearful and confusing. “Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you,” (Acts 13:41). What is Paul saying? The works of God, the truth of the times, the most newsworthy tales are spiritually discerned. The Holy Spirit opens our eyes to see a bigger picture.

Paul is actually quoting from the Old Testament prophecy of Isaiah. “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19). What was this new thing? The rescue of His people from their enemies through the salvation of the promised deliverer- Jesus!

Look more fully at His promise:

But now thus says the Lord,
he who created you, O Jacob,
    he who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
    I have called you by name, you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
    and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
    and the flame shall not consume you.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
I give Egypt as your ransom,
    Cush and Seba in exchange for you.
4 Because you are precious in my eyes,
    and honored, and I love you,

God is doing a new thing- we can ask for spiritual insight to understand it, or we can listen to all of the conflicting voices meant to incite us. And what are they attempting to stir up within us?

Fear
Anger
Hate
Judgment
Pride


Look closely at who Paul’s enemies intentionally targeted: “But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing…” (Acts 13:50).

We must guard our minds and hearts if we long to be Spirit led. We must ask for spiritual perception and discernment. God intends to give it to those of us who ask. Where are we focusing our time to gather our information?


PRAYER: LORD JESUS give us spiritual eyes to discern the truth amidst all of the information presented to us. May our first source of information be the source of all life: YOU! May we fervently ask for discernment to see what YOU are doing at this time. We do not need to fear the schemes of our enemy, because You are sovereign in all things and no one can snatch us from your hand. We do need to be mindful of our enemy’s attempts to incite us. In these strange times, help us to perceive what You are doing. Give us a glimpse of your glory, LORD, so we willingly walk in surrender and obedience to your will and your Word. We long to be people of resolute faith in the midst of the confusing. You are the One who rescues us, and we put our trust in You! In Your Name we pray, Amen.

Taken from Every Life Ministries www.ericawiggenhorn.com