“But you stand here awhile, that I may announce to you the word of God” (1 Sam. 9:27).
How do we listen and move at the same time? How do we get direction and guidance while busily engaged in our regular activities? Is it possible to hear the voice of the Lord while we’re talking to other people?
This verse illustrates how to go about getting guidance in the midst of “busy-ness.” As they were going down to the outskirts of a certain city, the prophet Samuel said to King Saul, “Tell your companions to go on ahead of us and you will catch up to them in a minute. Right now I want you to stand here awhile and let me give you a word from the Lord.”
I believe this is a good lesson on how to go about receiving needed guidance 1) on the run, 2) when right in the midst of activity, or 3) when surrounded by people. Busy people cannot always stop everything and go off on a retreat to get a further word of direction. But they can learn to take a minute to listen to the Lord, recognize His voice, and be attuned to receive divine guidance when needed most.
The key here is awhile. In the original Hebrew, it indicates a short space of time: “Stand still just a moment.” That’s all it takes to get the message. Learning how to stop long enough to receive marching orders is a vital principle in learning to be led of the Spirit.
On one hand, we don’t want to pack our schedules so full of activities we can’t stop and get direction. On the other hand, we don’t want to withdraw into such isolation that we never accomplish anything. The solution is learning to move and listen at the same time!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.