“By stillness the roar of the enemy is stilled, and the soul can listen to the whisper of its Maker. You have to make time to be still – in order to make a life.”- Ann Voskamp
Ann Voskamp concludes Chapter 14 of WayMaker with the observation that you become a prodigal in wanting to be a kind of god unto yourself. Hence, like an Israelite you wilderness yourself. Because you prefer your way of taking care of you – done by you. Rather than surrender to God’s way of taking care of you.
As a result, Ann wonders, now often have we behaved like the prodigal? Not actually repenting of our ways. Instead, we devise ways to manipulate and twist the Father’s arm to earn and make things happen our way. In addition, we focus and trivialize the problem. Thus, we fail to see the real issue as our lost relationship with God.
The author explains:
“Turns out you know you’re a prodigal when you merely play at doing things God’s way while actually expecting that God will do things your way. You can look like you’re going God’s way while your heart is still going its own way. You can want God’s ways — but you can want your own ways more.”
Like a clematis that creeps, sweeps, overreaches, and compete against other growth, the vine of your wrong-clinging clematis twists around you. Until it collapses your lungs. And you lose the rhythm of breathing your SACRED rhythm. While you want to take things into your own hands, Jesus wants to take you into His arms.
In conclusion, Ann notes, just like the prodigal son, we never find our way back, the way through, or the way out. Rather, the Way Himself, Jesus, finds us. Above all, we must trust Jesus to find the best way.
Today’s question: What Bible verses still you to listen to the whisper of your Maker? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Looking for a way out – always”
