“For it was said to me by the word of the Lord, ‘You shall neither eat bread nor drink water there, nor return by the way that you came.’”

1 Kings 13:17 ESV

I don’t like this story. The man, obviously used by God, is struck dead for disobedience after being tricked. I don’t know what was going on there, but each choice we make is a test. Each choice shows our heart.

Did you ever want a word from the Lord? Did you ever consider it could be the Lord’s mercy that He was silent? I have and thanked Him for it. I do have experiences of the Lord speaking. But here’s the thing. You have to obey.

Once Dave asked me to pray for his healing. I turned to the Lord and knew to tell Dave he was okay and to get up. My flesh knew he wasn’t okay, and I couldn’t bring myself to say it. I just said, “Get up.” Nothing happened. I had to keep praying in tongues until I was strengthened to obey fully and Dave got up.

Just last year I was questioning my hearing specific things from the Lord even after His gracious confirmation that I did, and He closed my one ear for four months. I don’t get to question that now, just like I don’t question if I should get up. 🙂

The Lord speaks, but this isn’t something we play at. We honor His voice with obedience.