Pastor Randy Hoskins

​Senior Pastor - First Congregational, Ashland, NE

November 20, 2021

I had a college buddy come spend the night with us a few weeks back. He came down from South Dakota to the Husker football game, so we put him up the night before. I hadn't seen him in probably 15 years. We send messages back and forth every so often, but it was great to actually get to sit down face to face and get a chance to really talk, having a genuine conversation where you take turns talking and listening.

I wonder how often we miss out having real conversations with God? How often in your prayer life is it all one way communication? Is your prayer life just you listing off the things you need and the people you want to see healed or blessed? How much time do you actually spend listening to God?

The prophet Habakkuk understood this. He voiced a number of complaints with God, asking why God had not acted against those who were doing wrong. After that, Habakkuk wisely waited to hear God's answer. In Chapter 2 verse 1, he states: "I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint."

If we really want to hear from God, we need to spend time listening. No electronic devices, no TV, no music, no distractions. Maybe the reason we're not hearing from God is because we are not willing to pause and wait long enough for God to reveal Himself to us. As Psalm 46:12 quotes God, "Be still, and know that I am God." We must be still. And listen.

We can listen to God by opening the Word and letting the Holy Spirit speak to us through what is written there. God might speak to you through other people, bringing you wisdom in that way. If you spend enough time in quiet meditation before Him, you will begin to recognize His voice.
It is perfectly reasonable to ask God for what we need. God wants us to do that.

But are you willing to listen to what God has to say, even when that answer isn't the one you want to hear? Keep listening, because God will never abandon you.

​Pastor Randy
402-450-4447

PASTOR RANDY HOSKINS

After serving as part-time pastor, Pastor Randy was called to full-time ministry in February of 2020.
​He and Velvet now live in Ashland.