When things aren’t going well with a sports team, it is always difficult to know where to place the proper blame. Are the coaches putting together subpar game plans? Are the players simply failing to execute an otherwise solid tactical approach?

Though it is often difficult to pinpoint an exact reason that a team might be failing to meet expectations, a fair question to ask in such a situation is whether or not the players have tuned out their coach. The coach provides vision, strategy, wisdom and inspiration, but if players aren’t hearing their message and disregard what is being said, it’s hard for a team to experience success.

As followers of Jesus, it’s also important for us to hear the voice of God. Although we sometimes tune Him out or disregard what He says, God willingly provides us with His vision, strategy, wisdom and inspiration through His Word and the Holy Spirit.

John 14:23-26 (ESV) tells us, “Jesus answered him, ‘If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word, and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. Whoever does not love Me does not keep My words. And the word that you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me. These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.’”

When we choose to listen to God’s voice and respond obediently to what He’s telling us, we can be assured He sees the bigger picture and has our best interest in mind. Instead of tuning Him out like some players might be doing with their coach’s locker room message, let’s be encouraged to stick to God’s plan … listen closely … and respond faithfully.

Reflect:

1. How often are you reading God’s Word to ensure that you can listen to His voice through the Scriptures?
2. What are some areas of your life where you need to improve upon putting God’s words into action?

A prayer to consider:

Heavenly Father, I know You are good and faithful and desire to speak truth into my life. I pray that I would listen closely and not disregard Your promptings.

I pray I would trust Your Word and obey because Your way is much better than mine. Thank You for Your willingness to speak to me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.