Recently, I’ve found myself “leaning in” to conversations. I’d like to say this started because I want to be more engaged in the discussions, but the truth is I’m having hearing issues in my left ear.*
A virus I picked up out of country recently attacked the nerves in my left ear, significantly reducing the sounds I’m able to hear in that ear. I marvel at the lessons God is teaching me through this “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14, NIV) body that He’s given me.
More and more in meetings and conversations, I’m “leaning in” (or “inclining my ear,” Proverbs 2:2 6) by positioning not only my body (right ear, not left), but my mind and heart for better hearing—and listening. I intentionally move away from distracting ambient noise, and concentrate more on the speaker, and on what’s being said. Passive listening is now active listening.
That made me wonder … am I passive, or do I “lean in” and prepare the same way for conversations with God—with the right posture of heart and body, with distractions set aside, concentrating on really listening for God’s voice?
The term “lean in” was popularized by a 2013 book that encouraged people to grab opportunities without hesitation. What a great description of how we should “lean in” to God—without hesitation—asking for wisdom, and then actively listening to Him and obeying.
As believers, we know that wisdom comes from God. The Apostle James assures us that, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, Who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5, NIV). What a promise!
The Gospel Good News is that God loved us so much that He sent His Son to die on a cross for our sins, and to be raised again … hallelujah! We’ve heard that, we know that, and we believe it.
However Romans 10:14 (NLT) says, “… how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them?”
Nearly 2 billion people in our world are still waiting to hear this Good News. They’ve never heard the name of Jesus, or the promise of salvation through Him. They don’t know the great promises of God in the Bible to which they can cling, nor have they been discipled in seeking wisdom from God.
Together, we can help change that, to the glory of God.
Would you join me, as together we “lean in,” hearing from God and then grabbing without hesitation the opportunities that He is providing through ASM to get His Word into more hands and hearts? People are waiting to hear in Mexico, Mozambique, India, and in many other countries around the world. Please go to www.audioscripture.org/give to learn more.
*I’m under the care of an excellent Ear, Nose and Throat specialist, but would appreciate your prayers for healing.
