Let’s keep talking about listening to God today. In case you wonder why there are food photos on my blog, it’s because God’s been talking to me in the kitchen lately – showing me things about myself that I didn’t know. Like the fact that I’ve been held back for years by my tendency to avoid chopping fresh vegetables.
See these three guys? They intimidate me.
Many recipes have never graced my kitchen because of them. But recently the cooker “wanna-be” in me decided she was “gonna be” after I posted about myRed Beans & Rice fiasco 17 years ago! The very next day I saw this recipe online:
- 1 pound Dried Red Beans
- 7 cups Water
- 1 whole Green Bell Pepper, Chopped
- 1 whole Onion, Chopped
- 3 stalks Celery, Chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, Finely Chopped
- ½ pound Andouille or Polish Sausage, Sliced
- 3 Tablespoons Creole Seasoning
- Hot Cooked Rice
Preparation: Place all ingredients except rice in a 4-quart crock pot. Cover and cook on HIGH for 7 hours or until beans are tender. Serve with hot cooked rice and cornbread. Delicious, warm, and your man will love you forever.
I decided it was time for me to reclaim my confidence and my rightful position in the kitchen. I went shopping that very day, feeling so brave and inspired. But then I got home. My determination fizzled. Life got busy. And I couldn’t find a convenient time to cry over chopped onions. I never felt like I was in the mood to pull seeds out of the green pepper, cut the celery or face the dread of burning eyes and running mascara.
My fresh vegetables and my “gonna-be” sat in the refrigerator, getting old and brown.
Last week, I was going out of town and wanted to make a special meal for my family. But I still didn’t want to deal with the green pepper, onion and celery. Then that morning I ran by Target and happened to notice these frozen chopped onions.
Whoever came up with frozen chopped onions is my new hero! And whoever gave me that little veggie chopper I had not used in years, I love you!
Now isn’t that a beautiful sight?Chopped celery never looked so good!
And I did a number on that green pepper too.
Just so you know, that whole onion is back in my fridge.If you live nearby, you can have it. I’m never chopping an onion again!
Not a tear was shed that day. Well, except happy tears when I served up my first successful batch of Red Beans and Rice!
And, just like the recipe said, my man was happy, too!(Disclaimer: I found out ‘cajun’ andouille sausage is really HOT!)
**********************************
So what does this have to do with listening to God and discerning His voice? Well, first don’t you just love that in the midst of ordinary life we can stop and ask God to speak to us? To show us something simple or profound…like why our hearts are in an angst or why we’re avoiding vegetables and recipes when we have all the ingredients.
That is what I did, and that day He showed me…
- I avoid things that require something I don’t want to give.
- Dread and procrastination makes every obstacle bigger than it has to be.
- There are always tools and people available to help, if I ask or look for them.
- I need to face challenges head on with more confidence and courage.
- This lesson applies in many areas of my life.
When the answers came, I thanked God for showing them to me. How do I know it was Him? In this case, it didn’t matter. But my heart learns to trust Him more and believe that He speaks to me each time I give Him credit for giving me wisdom (James 1:5) when I ask for it.
There are times when my questions are deeper and decisions are more complicated. In those times, I have what I’ll call my “recipe for discerning God’s voice” since we’re in the kitchen today. When I sense God leading me, whether it be through an impression on my heart, circumstances or through His spirit in me, I look for Biblical consistency as the key ingredient:
- Is it consistent with God’s Word and God’s ways?
- Is it consistent with wise Biblical counsel I’ve sought.
- Is it consistent with God’s leading through doors He’s opened and closed.
- Is it there a consistent theme I’m seeing or hearing during my personal Bible study time, through sermons, Christian songs, conversations, etc.?
Hearing and discerning God’s voice is a challenge. But it is possible and He wants to speak to us. We just need to become familiar with God’s Word and His ways. We need to ask for help and look for evidence of His consistency. I have a new message on CD, called “Rest Assured“ that I’m giving away today that could help you!
In it, I talk about what keeps us from hearing God – our worries that make us weary, our need for control and other obstacles – and how we can let go of them. By talking about them and listening to God’s perspective on them through His Word and prayer, we clear the clutter in our hearts and minds. And that is what He knows we need. He invites us to come to Him to receive rest mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally. In His presence we can find His peace, hear His voice and learn to live in the power of His promises and plans.(Note: It’s not on the P31 site yet, but I’ll try to have someone load it today.)
To enter to win, click on the word “comments” right below this post, and let me know if this message “Rest Assured” is something you need, or how the “consistency” questions might help you discern God’s voice in something you are seeking Him for. I love sharing what God’s showing me but it’s even better when I get to hear and learn from each of you – so let’s talk!
And after you’ve entered to win, click here to download a great FREE resource from Lysa TerKeurst with more ways to hear and discern God’s voice.
Discover more from Renee Swope
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
I am at a point in my life where God is working on my heart to stop trying to manulipate the future and be satisfied in the present.
I am finding that very hard but I have been truly helped by Proberb's 31 mininstry and all the women who contribute to it.
Thank you for your words today
Cathy
I have been praying for something to help me discern God's voice. I even asked my bible study group to pray for me. A friend in my bible study and I were just an hour ago talking about how difficult discernment is. I received this email and the timing couldn't be more perfect. This is what I've been praying for.
Renee,
You keep making such great statements. I am enjoying your Listening to God and Discerning God's Voice. We need to become closer to Him and really listen for Him to speak to us. I want to use your articles in the near future. I have been working with a lady to get her to learn more about God. We have decided to start a Bible study at her house and 4 of us are going to meet there. I am feeling lead to do Priscilla Shirer's "Discerning the Voice of God". This goes along with that so much. Your CD would be a great addition.
I desperately need to let go of control and anger that is covering up my sadness. I want to hear from God and live out his will for my life. I married sept 2009 and I didn't go to God first now I am struggling with neglect. I have to protect my 5 year old daughter and teach her I am strong and get through this. I fell in love with him being head over heels for me (so I thought) and now the love isn't there.
I am trusting more in God but have to start reading His word daily.
I probably said too much but need a break through. Your words were helpful reminding me that God chose me and loves me for me unconditionally. Thank you.
Renee,
Thank you for writing in simple easy to understand words of how to "Know" when God is speaking to all who seek Him. I have been blessed with gaining wisdom from many of the instructions you have given today on "Discerning God's Voice" I have a friend who is struggling with this question. Perhaps your CD would bless her amd help her with her uncertainty and fear. As Always, thank you for being radically obedient and receptive to the Holy Spirit.For displaying a heartfelt example of a servants heart, and a "KingsKid" God Bless you and your ministry. ~Suzanne~
I've needed this so much lately! My husband and I are seeking direction about "where to go" for our second adoption..foster, African-American domestic, or international again…NEED TO HEAR HIM CLEARLY!!!!
It's so amazing watching God work. This is something I have been struggling with lately. Discerning what is my voice and what is God's voice telling me to do or which way to go. Yesterday's post was just as encouraging. Thanks so much.
Chris
[email protected]
Your message was very encouraging. It is an on time message for me and a great blessing indeed. Thanks Renee. May God continue to use you in a wonderful way and bring you to a higher level with him. May he increase you knowledge and revelation as you continue to serve him. WHAT AN AWESOME GOD WE SERVE!!!
Tati
'rest assured' is what i need to hear today…and everyday. thanks renee for reminding me of these simple words.
karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
Renee,
Oh wow!! This post ties in so well with what God has been speaking to me. Your words in your previous posst really hit as well. You said, "also I admit, I'm not always crazy about what I sense God telling me to do. Yet I've learned over the years that when I listen to God, I discover His best for me. And I grow in my trust in Him." Right now I'm "sensing" something, something He's calling me to step away from in order to spend more time seeking rather than serving and I'm not crazy about that, but like you say I know He has my best in mind. Thanks so much for the reminder today. Perhaps next you'll have to write about what to do when you hear His voice… Oh yes we all know the answer to that now don't we!!
As far as your CD, I'd love to listen to it! Pray all is well for you!
Blessings,
Jill
This is exactly what I have been looking for. I struggle so much with this area.
Thank you!
Kelly
My yahoo e-mail is slow in getting devotions to my account so I just now read your Hear and Now devo. God knew when I needed to read it. I can so relate to the thoughts going through your mind as you avoided doing the closet. When I read that, I went "uh oh…" I have one of those, too and wouldn't you know it, my husband is away on a business trip and guess what I might be doing tomorrow? On my birthday? 🙂 I love God's sense of humor.
Thank you, Renee. You P31 gals are (as Wendy Pope likes to say it) all over my business!
I would love to receive a copy of your cd… I am growing in my walk with God, while reading your message it was nice to see that your recipe answers my question to how I can discern God's voice. It was nice to see that it matches some of what I am going through and experiencing. Thank you for your blog it is very helpful
Renee,
thank you so much for your message today. It is helping me face what I am dealing with right now. I feel like I am missing so much in my life right now by putting it all on the back burner because I am scared to pursue it. I have been finding other things to keep me busing from doing the tasks the Lord wants me to do. And some of that is I am not sure if I am hearing Him or wishing for this myself.
Thank you for allowing the Lord to use you to speak to me and so many others!
Misti
Renee,
I'm not sure if I think I need this CD or God thinks I need this CD. I find it interesting that I've been trying to "discern" lately about a new opportunity, and then find your msg today. I then saw Lisa Smith's blog and had to click because that's my name too. There I continued to read about praying for HIs purpose, along with the same verse we discussed last night in our small group Bible Study about praying and seeking Him daily. If i ignore this many "coincidences" a boot may fall from the sky and kick me right in the tush! -L
Thank you so much for today's posting. It really encouraged my heart as I struggle with procrastination. Thank you for applying it to our Christian life and reminding us we need to listen and pay attention! Recently a friend wanted to show her friend my pantry with the inner swinging shelves. Talk about embarrassed. It's one of those hidden messy piles I'm famous for. But this only reminds me that I must ask God to search my heart for the inner messy piles I have stored there. Thank you again! I love your writing!!
Renee,
I enjoyed your post today. I have never prepared red beans and rice. After seeing your results I may have to try this. I am sure that my husband and two adult sons would love this.
On the more serious side. I liked how you suggested going to the word and looking for consistency with what we are hearing. I am try to be patient and not walk ahead of God in some areas that He is
leading me in right now. Thanks for sharing.
I loved, loved, loved your devo today… you always seem to climb inside my brain and speak my lingo.
How did you know I use the dried onions in a jar??? I also discovered the onion/green pepper chopped in a bag thing. Isn't it grand?
Thanks for continuing to pave the way from my heart to God's. Love you bunches!!
I needed this today. lately I have been really anxious about college decisions and my future. I guess I really want to know what to do next and its hard not knowing the right answer. I definately have a hard time knowing the difference between my own thoughts and God's so this is helpful. Thanks.
Ashley
This is something I really needed to hear today. I have been questioning if the voice I am hearing is Gods or Satan. Just last night I was praying for him to speak to me. I feel this blog was his answer. Thank you so much for your time that you take to do this blog.