Have you ever been frustrated with someone?

Have you ever wondered why someone could not seem to understand something that you have tried to explain?

I am sure that any teachers reading this can relate.  You explain and explain and even give examples of how to accomplish the task, and some student cannot seem to understand.

Many parents also relate.  You give clear direction and even explain why it is important to follow the direction, but your child either does not get it or chooses to ignore you.

It can be frustrating.

As Christians, we know that God expects certain things of us, and we know that we should willingly follow Him.  However, how many times do we fail to follow?  How many times do we feel like we do not understand what we should do?

I have heard it said by some that they wish they could have been around 2,000 years ago to specifically hear Jesus speak and ask Him questions.  I understand what they mean by that, but I believe they miss the point.

Even those with close access to Jesus did not get it.  The disciples did not always understand what Jesus was saying.  Several times we can read about their questions to Him after the crowds left – questions to help them understand what He meant about certain things.  That includes the parables He told; they did not always understand the meaning behind them.

One of those time when they did not understand, Jesus said something that we all need to hear.  He said in Mark 4:24-25, “‘Pay attention to what you hear.  By the measure you use, it will be measured to you – and more will be added to you.  For whoever has, more will be given to him, and whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.’”

He told them to pay attention to what they already had heard.  They needed to put into action what they already knew to do.  Their ability to understand more relied on their willingness to obey what they already heard.

Unfortunately, many of us want God to show us the answer to our “big” questions, but we are not always willing to follow Him in His clear direction.  Is that not a bit presumptuous on our part?

Of course, we need God’s direction in the big things of life.  But I want to encourage you to consider what Jesus said.  Start now – obeying the little things – doing what you already know He wants you to do.  Let your obedience catch up with your desire to understand.

When God sees that kind of a heart, it honors Him.  It pleases Him.  It demonstrates your willingness to truly follow Him.  So do not be surprised when he unveils the next steps to take.

The following book may help you listen more intently to God’s voice. Click the picture to find out more about it…