Learning to Hear God's Voice

Keren knew that to be an instrument of God's love in Honduras, she must learn to hear God's voice. Her instant obedience to what He said would be the only way to ensure that He would continue to speak.

One day God asked her to disregard strong cultural codes and speak directly to an elderly Christian couple about their unforgiving spirit. Laura and Don's daughter had unjustly and unkindly hurt them deeply by moving to the city and living a sinful lifestyle. The parents were in sorrow. But worse than that, they were becoming bitter, believing they were hurt far too deeply to forgive. Laura became ill and the doctors told her she would not live long.

God told Keren to go to their home and talk to them frankly. She was very reluctant because in Latin America one never directly admonishes another individual about personal failings. To do so is extremely offensive. The accepted way, even among close family members, is to go discreetly through a third party. But by now Keren knew God's voice.

She went. She told them they could not expect to enter Heaven with an unforgiving spirit. They must not only forgive but also love their daughter who had terribly wronged them.

Startled, they asked how she could say this to them. After relating how God had empowered her to forgive someone who had falsely accused her, they wept and prayed together.

The next week the long bitter months ended when Laura made the bus trip to the city and made full reconciliation with her daughter. Not surprisingly, Laura rapidly regained health. Don also sought forgiveness from his daughter.

Months later, on his deathbed, he gathered his family and said, "Tell Keren that if she had not had the courage to talk to me, I would not be at peace with God."

Thank You, Lord, for teaching us to hear Your voice and then to explicitly obey what You command.

"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27).