BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: As has just been said: "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion." -Hebrews 3:15
Today, If You Hear His Voice
by Lynette Kittle
Have you ever had God speak to heart about an issue, maybe multiple times, yet you keep thinking you’ll deal with it or make it right later?
If so, did you know every time you ignore His urging, your heart may be hardening towards the Lord? And by delaying to submit to His will, you are risking being able to obey Him in the future concerning the matter?
It’s easy to think you’ll take care of it when it works better in your schedule or you’re ready to turn away from the situation but Scripture says you may not have that opportunity.
As well, do you know that God views your delay in submitting as your testing Him because you aren’t yielding to His leading?
Throughout the Bible, God urges to “not put the Lord your God to the test” (Deuteronomy 6:16).
Scripture describes how the Israelites through their disobedience in the wilderness tested and tried God for 40 years. It explains how the errors in their hearts caused them to go astray and become harden towards Him (Psalm 95:7-10). Doing so cost them missing out on enjoying the good things God had prepared and planned for them.
In the wilderness during Jesus’ 40 day fast, Satan tempted Him to test God but Jesus reminded him of what Scripture states, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test’” (Matthew 4:7).
Maybe you thought you could try various things labeled off-limits because you could stop anytime you want to end it, thinking you’ll have the strength to make that decision whenever you want.
It’s what the enemy of your soul wants you to believe, that you are strong enough to play around with disobedience and be able to give it up anytime you feel like it. But the truth is sinful deeds have a way of ensnaring individuals and the cords of their sins hold them fast” (Proverbs 5:22).
Psalm 40:12 describes how easily this scenario can happen to an individual, “my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see.”
Scripture urges you to not be deceived in these matters because a person reaps what he or she sows, and whoever sows to please their flesh, reaps destruction (Galatians 6:7-8).
So if you find yourself today in this situation, is there any hope? Is it too late, yet?
“As the Holy Spirit says: ‘Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts’” (Hebrews 3:7-8).
Turn to God, cry out as David did saying, “Be pleased to save me, Lord; come quickly, Lord to help me” (Psalm 40:13).
Know that the Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love (Psalm 145:8). Find comfort in knowing Jesus is able to empathize with your weaknesses, as He was tempted in every way, like us, yet didn’t sin (Hebrews 4:15).
1 John 1:9 states, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Take this opportunity, this very minute, to make things right with God. Don’t risk losing this moment when your heart may be softened to obey Him. Don’t take for granted you’ll have another time to do so.
Recognize your responses to God’s leading matter to Him. Take into prayerful consideration the cost of your decision, how the good things God has planned for your future may be in jeopardy.
Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, and more. She has an M.A. in Communication from Regent University and serves as associate producer for Soul Check TV.
Related Resource: Deepen and Defend Your Faith Today
The Faith Under Fire Podcast examines our Christian faith under fire. It covers stories from the fastest-growing, most vibrant church in the world: the Persecuted Church. You will get the inside scoop on what’s really going on with Christian oppression around the world–including the West, despite the media blackout.
Faith Under Fire brings you stories of the persecuted church and the transformative lessons they are trying to teach you. Learning from the persecuted church and from persecuted Christians around the world, your faith will grow to a place of real maturity, and your relationship with God will deepen.
