So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. —Romans 10:17 NKJV

The air thickened as the sun crept over the green fields and lazy river. All was tranquil, reminding me that God’s ways are never hurried or harried. Then, a lone Canada goose flew overhead in a southeasterly direction, honking as he glided. When he heard a response from the flock, he immediately turned and headed northeast toward the sound. In other words, he cried out, listened, and responded. Fortunately, that is one of many natural examples that reveal God’s majesty. This one, however, shows me that I can immediately pivot by faith when God calls me to move in a different direction.

When a recent trip to California to spend time with our sons was canceled, I was disappointed. I had been praying for family time—for a while. Nevertheless, God had a better plan: Our sons came to us! Instead of flying west for six-plus hours, we drove southwest for a mere ninety minutes. We made our plans, but God directed our steps and answered my prayer big. This may sound like a little thing, but it wasn’t to me. My relationship with God as His child enables me to test the reality of what I hope for. When I ask, “Abba, I miss my family. Would you make a way for us to be together soon?” I hear, “Yes, dear one. Soon.”

In fact, God’s Word is full of answered prayer, direction changes, and faith stories that encourage me. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul responded to Jesus’ call, forsaking his old way of self-righteousness and clinging to the life of Christ by faith. God opened Paul’s eyes to see the Old Testament promises fulfilled in Jesus. He understood that in Christ, we are dead to the Law and spiritually alive because of the grace of God alone. Paul had the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, and he turned one-hundred and eighty degrees in the other direction … by faith.

In his study of Hebrews eleven, Tim Mackie puts it this way: “Faith is an experience that enables us to taste reality.” An example of this is the patriarch, Abraham, who heard God’s promises, believed them, and acted. Like the goose, Abraham “flew” in the direction he was called. Abraham didn’t have a group of Christians to consult. He didn’t have Google Maps. He certainly didn’t have a physical Bible. But he did have faith in the God who called him and believed His words to be true. He walked purposefully, expectantly, to the promised land, and when he arrived, he knew it was only a shadow of things to come—a preview of Heaven. Still, he was given “an experience that enabled him to taste reality.” That is an exciting way to live.

Having pondered this thing called faith that comes by hearing God’s Word, I am even more convinced of the importance of practicing stillness with God. How can I “hear” God while distracted, busy, and worried? How will I recognize His leading if I don’t know His character? In contrast, I am encouraged, emboldened, and carried on the thermals of God’s love—in whatever direction He leads—when I purpose to be still and know He is God.

Abba, still my heart so I can hear You. Strengthen my faith so that I respond immediately to Your calling. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I am controlled by nothing else but Your perfect love, believing that You delight in me, and I am made for that reason alone, Amen.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. —Hebrews 11:1-2 NIV

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and
peace in believing, that you may abound in hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13 NJKV).

Marlene McKenna

Sweet Selah Ministries 

Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service

Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)

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