A God Who Hears

By Mike DeVries

Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. Isaiah 65:24

I was talking with someone recently about a family crisis he is going through when he made this comment, “I just need God to hear me. I need to know that God is listening. Is that too much to ask for?”

Perhaps you’ve found yourself in the same situation. You’ve found yourself in a place where you are crying out to God, and the whole time you’re wondering, is He even listening? Perhaps you’ve found yourself in a place along your journey where you are looking around and asking, “God, if you’re supposed to be God, then why is ____________ happening?”

If you have been there (or you are there at this moment), you’re in good company. The Scriptures are filled with people who struggled with these exact questions. We encounter people who, in the face of tremendous doubt, have cried out to God, “Where are you?”

The Precious Present

Gail Rodgers

“The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’” (Exodus 33: 14)

“Yesterday’s history, tomorrow, a mystery; today is a gift, it’s the present!” This chorus of a catchy song runs through my mind as I wrap my Christmas gifts.

“Today is a gift, it’s the present.”

As I tie the red and green ribbons I linger over the words, “Today is a gift”… and I wonder, “How often, especially at this time of year, do I forget the “today” of my life?