correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God
may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
II Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
Many years ago teaching hospitals had an area designated the "operating theater." It was an elevated amphitheater that surrounded the operating room where surgeries took place. The theater was created so that interns and other spectators could observe a surgery beginning to end from above the operating table.
Many times the physicians would explain to those watching exactly what they were doing. But often the interns simply listened to comments the physicians made to each other as they discussed what they found as well as what might be done to contribute to the positive healing and welfare of the patient.
The interns in effect were eavesdropping on the conversations between the doctors as they faced each new patient and surgery. They listened and observed situations in surgery that they would face as future surgeons . . . and they learned.
That is exactly what God, the Creator, has allowed us to do today. The Bible is full of conversations and situations with real people and real drama and real outcomes. God has determined that one of the best ways for us to learn how to make decisions in our lives is for us to be able to eavesdrop on similar conversations and situations throughout Bible times.
For example, when we are afraid and anxious because of a huge uncertainty we are facing, we need only to turn to the first chapter in Joshua and eavesdrop on the conversation God has with His servant as He encourages that warrior to "be strong and courageous because I (God) will never leave you."
When a child decides that home and rules do not apply to him and he decides to find his own way in the world, we can turn to Matthew 15 to experience a father whose son also left home and the father's joy at his son's return.
As we struggle with forgiving a friend who has hurt us, we listen as Jesus instructs his disciples in Luke 17 about forgiveness.
My encouragement to each of you today is to eavesdrop...eavesdrop on conversations that God has left for us in His Word. Nothing will ever happen in your life that you cannot find an answer to or encouragement for in the Bible. But you will never know the answers if you don't eavesdrop.
Father, I want more than anything to know your answers to my problems. My desire is to know more clearly what you would have me do in my life. Thank you for your Word. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
R.A.P. it up . . .
Reflect
Do you ever wonder if anyone truly understands what you are going through in your life?
Have you ever felt like you faced a situation that Scripture did not address? Why or why not?
Application
Journal situations that you are facing this week.
Eavesdrop on God's Word and write at least two Scriptures that apply to those situations and the encouragement God has for you.
Power Verses
II Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
Psalm 143:8 (NIV) ". . . Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul."
Proverbs 15:33 (NIV) "The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor."
(For more of Nancy Hughes' writing, check out her blog, Encouragement from the War Room.)
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