I Need Help

Question:



I am 15 years old. For years I have been trying and waiting for God to speak to me, just once to know that He hears me. But when I pray I feel like its a one way radio...and there is no one on the other end. It is killing me to think He does not care or want to listen to me.




Answer:



I’m glad you wrote in about your struggle. It’s a good sign when you are open and honest. I want you to know that I’ve dealt with the same thing when I was your age. You really want God to speak but you don’t hear anything. I’d like to share a couple thoughts with you. The first one begins with understanding how God wants us to walk with Him. His Word says that we are to walk with Him based on faith and not based on how we feel. If you are trying to feel God then it’s like trying to talk in a telephone where you’re supposed to be hearing and listening where you should be talking, it’s not how we are designed and it doesn’t line up with the relationship God means for us to have with Him. I’m not saying this to discourage you. I just want you to understand which way is not the way to God so that you can understand what is.



If you remember stories about the children of Israel when Moses was leading them through the wilderness, you’ll see they had all the signs from God to believe in Him. They saw 10 plagues destroy their enemies, the Red Sea split so they could walk through, God’s cloud and pillar of fire guide them, and they still did not believe God. The truth is that no miracle ever helped someone believe in God. It would make sense that miracles or signs would help someone but it doesn’t. So you have to ask yourself, “Why doesn’t it work that way?” It’s because faith is a decision to believe God based on what He says is true, and when you believe Him and His Word, then He works. So if you want God to speak to you, look in His Word how He satisfies us. “Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10. 'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.' Jeremiah 33:3 . Rest in these promises. It’s a discipline because your mind will want to do the opposite, but you have the power through Christ to bring your mind to quiet and focus on Him. Go to Him in His Word with this mindset and He will speak to your heart.

I would encourage you also to be real and honest with Him in how you feel. You did a good job of being real with me. That is exactly what He wants with you.


Don't forget, if you have a question you can send it to me at asktheyouthpastor@xtrlive.com plus you can talk to us tonight at www.studenthopeline.com.