The Voice by Lisa Burkhardt Worley

I was about to leave for lunch with a friend when I heard a soft voice, “Why don’t you take your Hebrew book?” I argued with the thought. I’m only going to lunch then coming straight home. It makes no sense to take my book. So I didn’t.

It was a nice lunch, then afterwards when I got into my car I noticed that my right rear tire was at nine pounds and all the other tires were normal. It was nearly flat!

What should I do? I called roadside assistance, then the dealership. I found out I have something called “run flats” which means I can drive the car on a flat tire for about fifty miles without damaging the rim or the tire, so I headed to the dealership.

Fortunately, the car dealer was only about four miles away, but it was kind of like being a walk-in at a doctor’s office. It took longer to be worked into the queue so I was there waiting for about three hours. I did run into a friend who was having maintenance done on her car as well. She was tucked away in a cubicle with her computer and things to do, intensely working. I kept thinking, If only I had some work with me. Then I remembered The Voice, and realized the Holy Spirit knew what was coming and was trying to give me a heads up.

I want to get better at tuning into The Voice and I’m not talking about the television show. I want to hear The Voice that promises, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21).

So what does The Voice sound like?

It’s an impression on your spirit.

It can be audible, but that is rare.

It is a thought that comes through your mind.

If you are a Christian, don’t discount The Voice.

Yesterday, I did listen to that impression on my spirit. I had RSVPed to attend a prayer gathering in advance of the election. I really wanted to go, because I think prayer is so important, but yesterday afternoon I hit a wall. My plate has been extremely full this week, and I realized I was exhausted. Next week we are taping two television shows and one of the guests is staying with me, so you know what that means—I go into what my husband calls “Drill Sergeant mode” and the vacuum and dust mop come out. I felt like God was saying, “You need to rest, Lisa. You cannot keep going at this pace.” So I cancelled, took a nap and had a quiet dinner with my husband. It was the right decision, and therapeutic, because when I get over-tired, let’s just say I am not as positive. The Holy Spirit knew what I needed.

Will you tune your frequency to The Voice today? I am praying that you and I will not miss anything God wants to say.

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).