Welcome to Wilco Wednesday! If you are a new around these parts, “Wilco” is Army-speak for “Will Comply.” Think of it as saying “Roger, God. Got it. Will do.” So that is what Wednesday here at 7 Days Time is all about– exploring his decrees and seeking guidance for what complying with Him looks like in everyday life. The best part? He loves us for who we are, not what we do. Remember: He doesn’t want perfection, just obedience. Share. Enjoy. Interact. And let’s respond to God’s call with a hearty “Wilco, Lord!”
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God is simply beautiful in the way He communicates.
He has a love language designed perfectly and purposefully for each of us. It makes me feel special that He knows exactly how to reach my heart, so I can hear Him LOUD-AND-CLEAR. God gives me physical signs, the kind that most people consider a coincidence.
For example, my friend and I were visiting over a cup of coffee, and I was expressing the desire for my husband to get hired into a firefighter career soon (because we prayed and felt this is where God was leading him.) Just then, we heard sirens blare as a fire engine flew past our window of the coffee shop. Coincidence? To some, yes. To me, not a chance. God was just giving me a little “Hey, I hear you…and yes, I’m working on it.” I LOVE it when He does that.
But sometimes, He changes things up. While the world around me grows ear-piercingly noisy, God chooses to grow quiet. Um, Lord, quiet doesn’t work for me! I like when He speaks volumes because I don’t always trust myself to ‘do life’ on my own. I’m a worrywart. I grow anxious. I become doubtful. I lose faith. My flesh takes over when God is quiet.
Jesus, didn’t I mention? The world is LOUD and I can’t hear your whispers! I’ve learned that these are the times when my Father chooses not to compete with all the noise around me. He grows quiet so that I have no other choice but to grow quiet with Him.
We so often hear of how desperately God longs to be intimate with us. “He is jealous for me.” He desires my affection and undivided attention the way a child desires that of a parent. He wants devoted, quality alone time with each of us. And, He knows how to get it because He designed us to need it.
For me, the Lord becomes nearly mute. When I can’t “hear” God, it’s usually because I’ve left the doors open to everyone and everything else around me, and the party is just too crowded for my guest of honor to enter. Or, even worse, I forgot to invite Him altogether! Usually I spend a few days (let’s be real – sometimes weeks) frantically trying to get through on my own. Then, like a lightbulb clicking on, I remember. I can’t hear Him because I’m not even listening.
I’ve been told that we should aim to give God the very first of our thoughts each day. So, when the house is dim and not even the birds are awake, I strive to squirm out of bed and hang out with Jesus for a bit. This party has just one invitation – and He is never tardy. Since I work from home and am a military wife and mom of three, it is literally the only point during my day that I know will be uninterrupted.
If I don’t make time to sit with Him in the quiet stillness of my morning, then I won’t hear Him throughout the day. And if I don’t hear Him throughout the day, I start to worry… remember? When I fill up with Jesus first, I can readily venture into my noisy day with a calm heart. I am confident that even if He doesn’t give me any signs, He is right there, on the sidelines, cheering me on with sweet encouraging whispers… “You’ve got this; keep moving forward.”
I have a frame above my fireplace that reads:
“Make time for the quiet moments as God whispers and the world is loud.”
My friends, He’s always trying to communicate with your heart. Have you made time to listen?
His love and mine,
Jenny
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Jenny is blessed to be the wife of a soldier – active for 4+ years, National Guard now for 4+ months. She and her husband have 3 rockin’ kiddos – ages 9, 4, and 1. They love camping, hiking, and all sports! Her absolute favorite place to connect with the Lord is in the stillness of the outdoors. She is the 2015-16 Retreats Coordinator for Fort Lewis PWOC and absolutely loves connecting with other women through faith in Jesus Christ!
Linking up today with my friend Kristin over at Three-word Wednesday and having a little Coffee for your Heart with Holley. Oh! And be sure to join our #EverydayJesus link-up community right here at 7 Days Time every Thursday!
