Bible Study for Christian Women and Pastors Wives ~ I Am Able to Hear

Bible Study for Christian Women and Pastors Wives ~ I Am Able to Hear
Part 1 - In order to hear, you have to listen.
     When the main means of distance communication was the telegraph, a notice went out in search of a telegraph operator. Men of all ages and sizes gathered at the designated location for the one opening. They began to talk among themselves, laugh, tell jokes, and exchange information: who they were, where they had worked, how many kids they had, where they learned the Morse code, etc. Suddenly, one of the young men, who was not participating in the chatter, jumped up and opened the door to an office and quickly entered.
    Soon, the gentleman hiring came out and said the position was now filled and they needed to leave.
     Puzzled, one of them asked "how was that so - you've not interviewed me or any of these others?"
     "Because he was the first to respond to the telegraph message we just tapped out on the telegraph machine: 'The first man who enters the office gets the position.'"
     He had heard something in the midst of the chatter that no one else heard. 
     Why did he alone hear it? I believe it was because he alone was actually listening!
     He had to not only know the Morse Code, he had to listen very carefully for the slight "tap-pi-te-tap-tap." As Psalm 78:1 puts it, he had to "give ear."
    In Psalm 78:1, God sends me and you His "tap-pi-te-tap-tap." "Give ear, O My people, to My Law: incline your ears to the words of My mouth."
    The others seeking the needed job to support themselves and their families, were in the right location at the right time, were skilled in their chosen profession, but went home just as jobless as they were when they came in the office. Why? They did not "give ear." 
    When others tell me or indicate to me that they are not able to hear from The Lord, I want to tell them that they have not given their ears to hearing. It's not that God is not speaking, it's that they are too busy with the chatter of life around them to hear. 2 Chronicles 24:19 even says as much: "Yet He sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the Lord; and they testified against them: but they would not give ear."
    The man who heard the "tap-pi-te-tap-tap" went home with a joyful hug for his wife and children and the knowledge he had a job that would provide for them. His personality had nothing to do with it. His size had nothing to do with it. His hair-do had nothing to do with it. His clothing had nothing to do with it. In truth, the only requirement was listening for that "tap-pi-te-tap-tap" and responding to it.
    God has a few things to say about that, as well. Proverbs 15:31 "The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise." Jeremiah 9:20 "Yet hear The Word of the Lord, O ye women, and let your ear receive The Word of His mouth...."
Be blessed in The Name above every name, Jesus! I know I am!
Linda L. Culbreth