“The Book of Proverbs,” Stan began, “is filled with words of wisdom on how I’m to live the life I have remaining here before I step into eternity.”
“So,” I asked, “do you read it on a regular basis?”
“Not only do I read it every day,” Stan replied, “but I study it so that it becomes an essential part of my faith walk from conversion in the direction of transformation.”
“But isn’t it in the Old Testament?” I asked.
“It is,” Stan replied, “but I don’t think that has anything to do with whether or not it’s applicable to my faith walk.”
Continuing, he said, “I agree completely with what the apostle Paul wrote about all scripture being profitable for teaching, and I think this is especially true for the godly wisdom contained in the Book of Proverbs.”
“You have an example?” I asked.
“Always,” Stan replied with a smile.
“In the first chapter of Proverbs,” he continued, “the reader, including me, is introduced to a shouting woman.”
“A shouting woman?” I replied. “What’s that all about?”
“Well,” Stan said, “I think it’s all about at least two things. In the first place, I think she is speaking the wisdom of God. Secondly, I think she has to shout in order to be heard above the noise of self, the world, the flesh, and the devil.”
“I can say for a fact,” he continued, “that there are way too many things that have to be shouted at me in order to get my attention. At the very least, that was true at the beginning of my faith walk.”
“But,” he added, “as God got my attention, it was like He no longer needed to shout. He could speak in whatever voice He chose and I would listen.”
“But are there times when you stop listening?” I asked. “What happens then?”
“God may very well have to start shouting again!” Stan replied, “but I don’t want for Him to have to do that, so I choose to listen to His quiet voice.”
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Wisdom shouts in the street, she lifts her voice in the square. Proverbs 1:20.
All Scripture in inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, that one day I will step into eternity to be with you forever. Thank you also for all you have to say to me about how you intend for me to live the life I have remaining on this side of eternity before then. I confess that too often I do not listen to what you have for me to hear, and that you have to raise your voice so I will hear above the noise of self, the world, the flesh, and the devil. Please forgive me. And please, Father, help me in following every step of your lead so I hear all you have to say to me in whatever way you choose to speak, in a loud voice or in a still voice. Open me to hear. Thank you I can and do bring all of these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Think on this: The need to shout often comes from a person not hearing a normal voice. Shouting may be necessary as an urgent warning. Or it may be because the person doesn’t hear a quieter voice. Have you ever heard God shouting at you? If so, what did it sound like? Why was He shouting? Was it a warning or something else? What did you do in response to His shouting? If you didn’t do anything, do you wish you would have? How can you keep God from having to shout at you?
Waiting for the Train 