Eavesdropping on God

 "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

II Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

   Several years ago teaching hospitals developed an area designated the "Operating Pavilion." It is an elevated amphitheater that surrounds the operating room where surgeries take place. The theater was created so that interns and other spectators could observe a surgery from beginning to end with an excellent view above the operating table.

  Many times the physicians will explain to those watching exactly what they are doing. But often the interns simply listen to comments the physicians make to each other as they discuss what they find during the surgery as well as what might be done to contribute to the positive healing and welfare of the patient.

  The interns in effect are eavesdropping on the conversations between the doctors as they face each new patient and surgery. They listen and observe situations in surgery that they too will face as future surgeons . . . and they learn.

  That is exactly what God, the Creator, has allowed us to do today. The Bible is full of conversations and situations with real people, real drama, and real outcomes. God has determined that one of the best ways for us to learn how to make decisions in our lives is for us to be able to eavesdrop on similar conversations and situations throughout the Bible.

   For example, when we are afraid and anxious because of a huge uncertainty we are facing, we need only to turn to the first chapter in Joshua and eavesdrop on the conversation God has with His servant as He encourages that warrior to "be strong and courageous because I (God) will never leave you."  

  When a child decides that home and rules do not apply to him and he decides to find his own way in the world, we can turn to Matthew 15 to experience a father whose son also left home and the father's joy at his son's return.

  As we struggle with forgiving a friend who has hurt us, we listen as Jesus instructs his disciples in Luke 17 about forgiveness.

  My encouragement is to eavesdrop . . . eavesdrop on conversations that God has left for you in His Word. Nothing will ever happen in your life that you cannot find an answer to or encouragement for, in the Bible. But you will never know the answers if you don't eavesdrop.

   Father, I need your answers to my problems. My desire is to know more clearly what you would have me do in my life. Thank you for your Word. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

R.A.P. it up . . .

Reflect

• Do you ever wonder if anyone truly understands what you are going through in your life?

• *Have you ever felt like you faced a situation that Scripture did not address? Why or why not?

Apply

• Journal situations that you are facing this week.

• Eavesdrop on God's Word and write at least two Scriptures that apply to those situations and the encouragement God has for you.

Power 

• II Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

• Psalm 143:8 (NIV) ". . . Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul."

• Proverbs 15:33 (NIV) "The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor."