Be Free - Roadblocks

Did you know that even the most spiritually mature believers such as pastors, elders, deacons, worship leaders, etc. can occasionally experience roadblocks from being able to hear from the LORD?  I once heard a pastor say, "When you walk with the LORD, keep short accounts". What he meant was that we, as followers of Christ, should constantly conduct a spiritual inventory of our hearts. If we have offended someone, we need to be quick in asking forgiveness. If someone has offended us, we need to be quick to forgive. The same applies in our relationship with God. If we are experiencing doubt, bitterness, or unconfessed sin we need to be quick in asking the LORD for forgiveness. If we just feel spiritually dry or disconnected, we need to ask God to reveal any areas in our lives that could be creating a roadblock.

The prophet Isaiah stood in the presence of God and witnessed His glory and majesty. To the point that he thought he was going to die. Isaiah felt inadequate and unworthy. Sometimes when we experience a roadblock we begin to feel the same. That we are inadequate, ill equipped, and can't possibly be used by God. But, what happened next to Isaiah? The LORD spoke to him and told him to go and tell the people (Isaiah's brothers and sisters in the faith) that they will be ever hearing but never understand. That their hearts would be calloused and their ears dull. One of the dangers of ignoring the roadblocks to hearing from God is exactly what Isaiah was commissioned to tell the people. Eventually, if we do not ask the LORD to reveal our roadblocks so that we can remove them through repentance, we will always be chasing God's voice but never fully hearing or understanding Him. It's of paramount importance that we, as followers of Jesus, keep short accounts with the LORD. 

Creator of the Universe and LORD of all, we hear Your people, Your pastors, Your teachers say You are always speaking. Help us to hear Your voice. Reveal to us any areas in our lives that are creating a roadblock from hearing You. Forgive us of our sin LORD and heal us. Open our ears to hear what You have to say and open our hearts to receive. Bless us and keep us. Shine Your face upon us. Be gracious to us and give us Your peace. In Jesus name, Amen.