In a recent TV show one of the anchors said she understood that a Christian could talk to God in prayer, but mocked the idea of God talking to a Christian. She said that a person claiming such a thing was in her opinion “mentally ill.”
I thought of responding to said anchor in some way, but then remembered what the Bible says about casting pearls, so I refrained.
Below are some numbers according to ThoughtCo:
Worldwide Number of Christians
In 2015, Christians still comprised the largest religious group in the world (with 2.3 billion adherents), representing nearly a third (31%) of the total global population.
United States adherents – 247 million in 2010
United Kingdom adherents – 45 million in 2010
Percentage of Christians Worldwide
32% of the world’s population is considered to be Christian.
Top 3 Largest National Christian Populations
About half of all Christians live in just 10 countries. The top three are the United States, Brazil, and Mexico:
United States – 246,780,000 (79.5% of the Population)
Brazil – 175,770,000 (90.2% of the Population)
Mexico – 107,780,000 (95% of the Population)
https://www.thoughtco.com/christianity-statistics-700533
If I conservatively think that only half of these people have a decent relationship with the Lord, it becomes reasonable to think that this half do actually hear Him.
So, either millions of us are “Mentally ill,” or the person making the allegation is ill informed!
John 10: 25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and you believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. 26 But you believe not, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: 28 And I give to them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father’s hand. 30 I and My Father are One.(MKJV)
Those that choose not to believe that God speaks to His people do so because they do not belong. The Lord refers to His own as sheep, that He himself shepherds. If you are His sheep this promise that He speaks and this requirement that you must hear and follow, applies to you. This passage includes the promise of a sure salvation for those that know and follow Him.
Do you not think that The God of this universe is able to keep you safe in His hand? Do you not think that He is bigger than any opposition the enemy can throw at you?
What is prayer if it is not a conversation with the Almighty?! It is nothing more than a meaningless chant, or a noisy gong that has no meaningful tune or purpose. You may light all the candles you can, chant all you want, wear yourself out with any ritual, but if you do not hear Him, it is not prayer, it is a noisome one directional sound.
Our God has made a promise He will commune with us. If we come with faith and bring our petitions, He does hear! And here may be news for some: He ALWAYS ANSWERS. His answer is “Yes/No/ or Wait!
It is never a “Maybe/ If you are good enough/ We shall see.” He doesn’t play mind games such as we humans are sadly prone to. In fact the Bible tells me:
2 Cor. 1: 19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yes and no, but in him was yes. 20 For all the promises of God in him are yes, and in him Amen, to the glory of God by us.(MKJV)
He speaks, He is not double-minded, and He doesn’t play games. Whatever answer He gives is for my good. He never desires harm, and will do all to protect me. After all He is the Shepherd who laid down His life for me:
John 10: 11 I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep.(MKJV)
When I ask amiss I should get a “No” for an answer. My own children expect that from me, I shouldn’t expect differently from my Father. I care for the well-being of my children, I deny their request if they ask amiss, even if they grumble and carry on. If I stay my ground, in time they see the merit of my decision. I in my part do my best to follow and learn from my Father how to be a good parent, and so when I say “No,” I am not being a mean parent. I do so with the same care that I get from my Daddy. When I say “wait,” it is because I as a parent do not see my child ready.
Example: I would not let my eight year old to drive a car, he has to wait until he is 16.
I would not allow my daughter to date at age nine, she must wait until she is a good bit older.
This is where some miss out. They say He didn’t answer their prayer, when in truth He just said “No,” or “Wait.” It is important for all to understand that the first requirement for His adopted children is that they get to know Him through His Written Word, the Bible. He speaks, but He never contradicts His Written Word. If we are to ask within His will, we must know what His will is, and we do that only by knowing His Word.
It is my responsibility to know learn the Word. Unless I know the Bible, I can and probably will be led away by false notions and false teachings. If I do not get to know Him through His Written Word I am a candidate for deception. The Bible tells me to ask for wisdom, and to pray for discernment. So, it is up to me.
The best part is, He has given His Holy Spirit to give us understanding of the Bible. After all, the Holy Spirit dictated the writing, is is only reasonable that He knows it best. I know Him from His word with the help of the Holy Spirit, So when He speaks, I hear.
2 Peter 1: For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.(MKJV)
James 1: 5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraides not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.(MKJV)
In a future post I will address how God uses dreams and visions to communicate, but until then, please consider what I have said above. It will only better your relationship, and your prayer life.
Selah!!(Think about it)
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