How many Christians ask their friends, family members and pastor, “Did God give you a word for me?” or worse, “Do you have a word for me?”
When it’s clearly laid out in Jeremiah, not to do that!
This is what each of you keeps on saying to his friend or relative: ‘What is the LORD’s answer?’ or ‘What has the LORD spoken?’ But you must not mention the ‘oracle of the LORD’ again, because every man’s own word becomes his oracle and so you distort the words of the living God, the LORD Almighty, our God. This is what you keep saying to a prophet: ‘What’s the LORD’s answer to you?’ or ‘What has the LORD spoken?’ Although you claim, ‘This is an oracle of the LORD,’ this is what the LORD says: You used my words, ‘This is an oracle of the LORD,’ even though I told you that you must not claim, ‘This is an oracle of the LORD,’ Therefore, I will surely forget you and cast you out of my presence along with the city I gave to you and your fathers. I will bring upon you everlasting disgrace-everlasting shame that will not be forgotten. Jeremiah 23:35-40
Obviously, Jeremiah was a prophet. The ‘prophets’ mentioned in this passage, were false. This is not about genuine prophets, who are used like conduits for God’s word. To be that they must be true God-seekers, who drink his word like water, and fast, so they’re in a place to hear from him more clearly. Even if you know someone with this spiritual gift, you still shouldn’t solicit a word from them. If God tells them anything about you, it will be given unexpectedly.
This is about people soliciting a word from someone who isn’t qualified, instead of seeking God themselves.
Why would anyone think that God, who created them, wouldn’t want to speak to them?
How can you believe that you are loved enough for Christ to die for you, but not loved enough for God to talk to you?
Because I’m telling you right now, if God speaks to me, then he will speak to anyone who seeks him.
His word promises it!
I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. Proverbs 8:17
Why settle for a mortal vessel to answer what you seek, when God Almighty WANTS to be found by you!
He wants to give you HIS word, directly.
You’re worth it.
So the next time you want to call up that friend, visit that family member, or hunt down your Pastor after service to ask, “Do you have a word for me?” Instead take time, MAKE time to be in the quiet, and seek a word from the one who made you.
Set the phone aside and pick up your Bible.
The simple fact remains, your friend can’t answer for God. Your family can’t answer for God. Not even your Pastor, can answer for God.
If it’s a ‘word’ you seek, then seek it the right way.
Anything else not only misses the mark, but is idolatry.
These words aren’t meant to condemn. There’s forgiveness where genuine repentance is found. We all must remember that Jesus died for EVERY sin. So if you are guilty of this, take heart, and repent.
I can testify that God speaks to me in various ways. Sometimes through reading scripture, sometimes through dreams and even a few times, through his voice.
But I seek him.
You should too.
Yes, YOU can approach God with whatever you would seek from a mortal. It’s sad that so many believe they aren’t worthy of this, when a true relationship that’s built on awe and worship is what God desires from us. If that weren’t so, he wouldn’t want to be known as our Father.
The next time your soul is searching for a word, ask it from the only one who’s word will never pass away (Matthew 24:35) and never settle for less.
You’re worth it.
No one else is above you in this regard, period.
You are worth His word.
Kimberly Humphreys