I am the Good Shepherd. I know my own sheep and my own sheep know me. In the same way, the Father knows me and I know the Father. I put the sheep before myself, sacrificing myself if necessary. You need to know that I have other sheep in addition to those in this pen. I need to gather and bring them, too. They'll also recognize my voice. Then it will be one flock, one Shepherd.
I've heard this verse many times before, but this morning, it hit me in a way like never before. He says his sheep will RECOGNIZE HIS VOICE. As a sheep, I have to ask myself "Do I recognize His voice?" I've been feeling like I'm at a stalemate right now in life, so all I can do is sit and wait. I tell myself I would step forward in one direction, if I just knew which direction God wanted me to go. Typically, I'm a good listener. I pray. I meditate on Scripture, though not as much as I should. I ask questions. SO, why isn't God speaking? What's the delay?! Come on, already!
This Scripture gave me a much needed gut-check! Am I REALLY listening? Maybe God is speaking loud and clear, but I'm only paying as much attention as I do to my mom when she lectures me about things I am already aware of on a daily basis (sorry, mom, if you are somehow reading this- love you). Maybe God is speaking and I am over-analyzing it, which usually results in confusing His voice with my own thoughts. I don't know! The point is, GOD IS SPEAKING! Am I listening... REALLY listening... SOLELY to HIM? I wish I could say "YES," but it looks like I better be listening, instead of speaking...
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