“One of my neighbors stopped by last night,” Stan began. “I really like him, but he has a habit that annoys me.”
“What’s that?” I asked.
“He constantly interrupts what I’m saying and finishes my sentences,” Stan replied.
“I had a friend like that once,” I replied. “Why do you think they do that?”
“Probably a lot of reasons,” Stan said, “could be they are more interested in what they have to say. Or it could be they think they know what’s going to be said.”
Continuing, he added, “I know for a fact my approach to God can be like that.”
“Your approach to God?” I replied. “How so?”
“Too often,” Stan said, “I think I know what God is going to say before He finishes saying it. I interrupt Him and go on my way without waiting for Him to finish telling me what He has to say.”
“You really do that?” I asked. “Seems kind of foolish!” I added with a smile.
“Not only foolish,” Stan replied, “but the Bible’s Book of Proverbs calls it ‘folly and shame’.”
“It’s just like,” he added, “if we start to tell Ricky what we want for breakfast, but he interrupts us and leaves to put in the order for what he thinks we want. He comes back with that order, but it isn’t even close. How do you think we would react to that?”
“Not happy,” I replied.
“That’s how I think God reacts,” Stan responded, “when I interrupt Him and leave before He has finished telling me what’s on His mind.”
“No,” Stan continued, “my role is to listen to what God wants to tell me. Listen quietly without interrupting Him. And then go in obedience to what He said.”
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He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to Him. Proverbs 18:13.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, you want to communicate with me about all you have for me to know about you and your will for me. I confess that too often I do not listen to all you have to tell me before I go on my way, thinking I know what you were going to say. Please forgive me of that foolishness and folly. And please, Father, help me in following every step of your lead so I do not interrupt you before you are finished telling me what you have to say. Help me to listen to everything you have to say and then go in obedience. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Think on this: Have you ever been around someone who interrupts you and finishes your sentences? If so, how did or does that make you feel? What about interrupting God before He is finished telling you what is on His mind and heart? Do you sense God will say or think, “Would you please let Me finish?” Why or why not? If interrupting God when He is speaking to you is something you do, what can you do about it? How about with other people? Do you let them finish before interrupting them with what you want to say?
Waiting for the Train 