Hebrews 4:12a – For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. (ESV)

Early in my life, after graduating as a deaconess, I made Canadian church work my career, serving in Grande Prairie and Red Deer in Alberta, and in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where I started Flora House. I was even sent to Newfoundland to help the church there. I could not have accomplished all that I did without the assurance of God's call on my life. I could not have functioned anywhere without His presence strengthening me.

After ordination, I was sent to Waterloo, Ontario, to start a church in the suburbs. Being the first woman minister in town meant that it was news, and my arrival hit all the local newspapers! But I wasn't interested in going public; all I wanted was for people to respond to God's call.

In those days, however, it was difficult for some people to accept a woman minister. I remember one man telling me that he had thought that he couldn't take the sound of a woman's voice in the pulpit, but after he'd heard me give the call to worship, he accepted me. The call to worship is God's voice alive and active, not just mine. I knew that it was God speaking, not me.

Isaiah 43:19a – See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? (NIV)

Yes, I did perceive God's new thing, and I gave thanks, for His Spirit was upon us, and we continued to grow in grace and membership. Without the Lord's help and the truth of His Word, I could not have reached the souls of the congregation.

All through the years, the Word of God has been a voice calling for my attention, guiding all that I said and did. Without that loving sound in our souls catching our attention, we are not active in divine service; we are on our own path, and life hurts.

Have you experienced the voice of God calling to you? As you listen, be calm and prayerful; His voice will touch you deeply. With God's voice guiding you daily, you will avoid being lost, and you will know what to do.

Listen, God is calling to you. Please join me in praying:

Prayer: Lord, I hear You speaking to my soul, calling me to follow Your Word, for it is the way for me to hear and obey Your divine truth. I do listen for this truth today, and I thank You for the rich blessing in my soul. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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