One of the keys in hunting is learning how animals communicate. And as you know, they are always communicating. Just step outside during the early morning hours, and you’ll hear creature after creature communicating. It is so natural that we hardly ever think about it. We hardly ever think about it because most of it just seems like notes and tones with no rhyme or reason. And it seems like random notes and tones because we just don’t understand the language of other species. We might enjoy certain sounds and even know what certain sounds communicate, but our understanding is extremely limited. Therefore, we move in and out of a whole world of communication around us, and never hear what’s said. In fact, many people love the silence they find when they sit quietly outdoors. But in the lives of those creatures around them, things are far from silent. Each animal, mammal, fowl, and insect hear its own kind, and understands. I can’t even imagine a world where communication was absent. I think we really can’t even logically comprehend such a thing.
And then there is you and me and God. There is a God who most of us consider personal and who most of us think wants to have a personal relationship with us. And yet many of us would confess the thought that we hardly ever hear from God – that He doesn’t speak. Or at least He doesn’t speak our language. I think even this idea is incomprehensible. What kind of relationship is there if there is no communication? And what kind of relationship is it if only one person does all the talking like we do when we pray? I think you would agree with me, that doesn’t sound like a good or healthy one. Therefore, God speaks. And He speaks to you and me. And He does it in many ways. But before we can really hear God, we must admit that He speaks, and we can hear His voice. I’m glad Jesus made this simple and clear. I’m glad He put this truth on the bottom shelf of learning so we all could reach it. He said, “My sheep hear My voice” (John 10:27 NKJV)
The only criterion for hearing God is that we are His sheep. There’s no other prerequisite. A degree is not needed. A lifetime of faithful service doesn’t help. And a life with hurts, habits, and hang-ups doesn’t disqualify us from hearing the voice of God. We just have to be His sheep – His own- His child. So, if you consider yourself one of His own and you are needing to hear God speak to you about your life, begin by confessing this. “I am one of God’s sheep and I can hear Him speak.” And as you begin to believe your confession, you will begin to hear God speaking in place after place. Maybe He is speaking to you now.
Gary Miller
gary@outdoortruths.org
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for over 21 years. He has also
written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son
devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for
churches and associations.