By Benescke Janse van Rensburg

Some time ago, I read about a woman, Jenna, who began to apply "listening prayer" in her faith walk. She would put time aside during her prayer time to also listen to what God is saying about her issues she has discussed with him. She also made a habit of writing down what she sensed God is saying to her. This completely changed her faith walk.

One day Jenna experienced a difficult situation at work. In her office, she kept a book containing highly confidential information. No one in the office was supposed to know about the book. Although she kept the book locked away in a cupboard, she discovered one morning that it was gone. She searched everywhere and asked everyone in the office if they had seen the book. No-one had any knowledge of it. When she reached a dead end, she took her car keys, jumped into her car and immediately went home. There she went into her prayer room and there on her knees begged God to show her where the lost book is. Quickly, one of her colleagues' names dropped in her spirit. It did not make sense at all, since she specifically asked that colleague about the book and she denied having any knowledge of it.

In faith Jenna went back to her work. Nervously, she took a deep breath outside the relevant colleague's office, before entering in faith. Her words were simple, "Can I please get my book back?" The colleague was clearly taken aback and replied, "Who gives you the right to accuse me falsely?" Without skipping a beat, Jenna replied, "I am here with the Highest Authority possible. Please, hand me back my book." The colleague hesitated for a moment. She then leaned forward in her chair, pulled open her desk drawer and handed Jenna the lost book.

As believers, we easily confess that we believe that I AM can speak to us. Yet, I wonder how many of us truly make time to listen. Have you recently applied "listening prayer" in your life? Can you testify to hearing the Holy Spirit's voice on a daily basis in your life?

In Jeremiah 33: 3 we read: "Call to Me and I will answer you ..." And in Isaiah 59: 1 we read: "Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear." At times, like for Jenna, it takes faith to believe that what we hear is truly Him speaking to us. In Hebrews 11: 6 we read: "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." And how can we know that it truly is Him speaking to us? Jesus answers in John 10:27: " My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." The more time we spend with I AM, the clearer we will discern His voice.

I AM wants to speak to us. Let us acquire a journal. Sit down and talk to Him, with an expectant heart that He will speak back to you. Follow the peace in your heart and test what you hear against the Word of God. He will never tell you to do anything which is contrary to His word. Let's take the first step; I am sure we are going to stand in total amazement at what He wants to do. God bless.

Father God, thank you for talking to us. Please help me not to miss my disbelief and my focus on my challenge. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

• ASSIGNMENT: Find a journal. Talk honestly with God and write down what you sense in your heart. Measure it against the Word.

• FEEDBACK: Please send your feedback, testimonies of God's goodness or questions on the topic to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Benescke