I pray we have all heard from the Lord this week. Perhaps we studied a passage of Scripture, attended a church service, listened to a sermon, or read a devotion.

When we make time for these things, we want to be sensitive to God’s voice. We hope to experience the Holy Spirit’s tender touch.

If so, do we follow up with a change of heart? Do we make an attitude change? Do we decide to do something differently or take a step of action?

When God spoke to people in the past, it was most always to lead them to action. Abraham was instructed to leave his home and go to a new land. Esther was encouraged to enter the king’s presence and plead for the lives of the Jewish people. David was challenged to take on Goliath. In the New Testament Joseph was urged to marry the virgin Mary and the apostle John was told to record the visions he’d seen. Thankfully, these people of faith obediently took action.

If we have accepted Jesus as our Savior, the Holy Spirit lives within us. We should regularly hear His voice speaking to our hearts. When we don’t, it’s usually because we have gotten into the habit of ignoring that small whisper.

Evidence of active listening includes some kind of action, a step of obedience. James, an early church leader, warned, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22).

God calls us to action, not paralysis. He calls us to life, which includes living out what He calls us to do. An action step may be internal or external. Once we take that step of faith, we will never be the same.

May we experience God’s power and blessing as we step forward in faith!