God spoke to me today. For real. Depending on your own personal beliefs, you may think this makes me crazy. But before you close this window and dismiss me as delusional, let me explain…
I was driving on the 401 in Toronto. This is a highway where God is spoken of often- usually betwixt much profanity and raising of fingers. I was sitting there feeling quite bogged down with my career. You see, there are four things I love to do: Writing, Acting, Rapping and Speaking. I have been doing a lot of speaking lately and I have put all of my other passions on the back burner. And because speaking is what pays my bills, it is easy to justify that.
But… in the last couple of weeks I have been haunted by this terrible restlessness. I can’t focus. I’m indecisive. It’s awful. And today on the 401, I heard the voice of God. He simply said:
“There is very little that you actually love to do… so do it all.”
Pretty simple huh?
Now, you may be thinking: “If there is a God, and this God were to speak to you, why wouldn’t he tell you the name of the plant that can be used to cure AIDS? Or give you a strategy to create world peace? Or give you the winning numbers for next week’s lottery?” Good questions. And I don’t have the answers. But I do believe that God wants to speak to every person on the planet. There is a scripture in the Book of Job that says:
“For God does speak–now one way, now another–though we may not perceive it.”
– Job 33:14
Imagine that… God speaks. There’s no thunder. No lightning. No James Earl Jones voice. It is so subtle that we don’t even recognize it. God speaks and we don’t even notice.
I once heard a guy talk about this whole thing. He said, “God’s voice sounds like spontaneous thoughts that light upon the mind.” I thought that was neat.
Of course, I don’t think he only speaks in spontaneous thoughts. I think He speaks through emotions and dreams. Scriptures and convictions. Sunsets and images of Jesus that supernaturally appear on breakfast toast.
OK, maybe not the toast. But I do believe we can miss His voice. And I don’t want to miss it. So all day I have been turning this spontaneous thought over and over in my mind. And the more I think about it, the more I feel a peace about my career, the more I feel emboldened to fan all of my passions into flame. This little spontaneous thought accomplished quite a lot.
OK, I admit it. Maybe this was just me. After all, there’s no proof. No evidence. And I don’t have the name for some miracle plant growing in the Amazon. But I also don’t have that deep restlessness anymore. And for that, I am thankful. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go butter my Jesus toast.
How wonderful! God is interesting in how he works, sometimes you almost have to laugh after you realize you got his message. It’s great to hear that this has brought peace to you! Though it is unfortunate he doesn’t have a James Earl Jones voice 😛
You are right, it theoretically could only be in your mind – you’ll have to look to your heart and faith. Someone saying they love you can be a lie, a great and close friend not constantly talking behind your back can be a lie… theres a lot of things we put faith in. I get the impression that there is something very real here, but that’s just me.
The message is enlightening and brought you peace in a wonderful way – if there is a God, how could the message not have come from him?
Thanks!
Great post bro
Regarding your 4 loves and the limitations of
“Career” it reminded me of a book I am halfway through called “How to Be Free”-Tom Hodgkinson because there is a chapter about this problem many of us face called “REJECT CAREER AND ALL ITS EMPTY PROMISES.” He is an idealist who tries to figure out the ideal, and how we can practically get as close to that ideal as possible.
Our generations (X&Y) will re-imagine and re-shape what a creer looks and feels like once all the boomers move to Florida. I know you, and know how insanely gifted you are in those four areas – honestly, concerning three of them you are the #1 best I have ever encountered, and as I am now learning, your writing is great too.
I challenge you to follow up on this word of insight you have been given – to do all 4 – and re-imagine using all four outside the box of traditional career.
I noticed you liked the book DRIVE – wow – I have some amazing books for you to check out…
Later Bro.
James
“How To Be Free” sounds awesome! That is exactly the tip I am on now. The word “work” has a completely different meaning for us than it did for the previous generations. What an exciting time to live!!! I’m glad we’re re-connecting man!
Anthony,
This was exactly what I need to hear today! Guess God can speak though blogs too:)
So glad this spoke to you Jen!!!
I meant “through”.