“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:6 KJV)

God speaks.

Some insist that His speech is ensconced in misty sayings and mysterious utterances only available to “super-spiritual” saints.

But I have found that the Lord speaks directly. Clearly. Distinctly.

His words and ways are not mysterious at all.

But you do have to listen!

Jeremiah was right when he observed:

“O Lord [pleads Jeremiah in the name of the people], I know that [the determination of] the way of a man is not in himself; it is not in man [even in a strong man or in a man at his best] to direct his [own] steps.” (Jeremiah 10:23 AMP)

I’ve tried it too many times. Hustling my way through life, trying to figure things out.

Even in ministry, when we were planting and pastoring churches, scheming ways to lead and grow, “Doing my best”. Full of noble intentions yet wracked with insecurity and doubt.

How much more peaceful the pathway of faith.

Not a forced believing.

Forced believing leads to frustration. Straining to convince yourself something is true is futile.

You have to hear.

That’s the way the Kingdom works.

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17 KJV)

And once we’ve heard, we speak and act accordingly.

“We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;” (2 Corinthians 4:13 KJV)

Your words and actions move in tandem with the spoken directions for your season.

The effort to believe is taken from the equation because God’s Word, alive in your heart, does all of the heavy lifting.

Here’s the short version:

Stop trying to believe.

Sit and listen long enough to hear.

And when He speaks, receive the grace and faith that comes with His direction.

Selah.