Day 7 of the Whisper Reading Plan is set aside for worship and rest.

The Power of a Whisper Reading Plan
Day 8 Reading:
When God speaks to us, it is usually one of three messages:
1. A whisper calling us to action.
Go! It’s time to exercise your faith. It’s time to join me in saving the world.
Example: Genesis 6, Noah is call to build the ark

2. A whisper of admonition (i.e. correction)
Stop! What you are doing or thinking about doing is deadly or destructive.
Example: Matthew 16:21-26, Jesus admonishes Peter

3. A whisper of assurance.
I am with you and will help you.
Example: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, God comforts Paul

Pastor Lisa’s Journal
Scripture
Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. – 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 (NRSV)

Observation
In Acts 9, Saul has an encounter with Jesus that looks more like a shout than a whisper. It is a whisper of admonition so powerful, Saul is knocked to the ground and temporarily blinded. Later Saul would receive a call to action from God: preach Jesus to the Gentiles. Saul the Pharisee then becomes Paul the apostle, church planter and defender of the faith. In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul experiences what seems much more like a whisper, a whisper of assurance.

photo by istockphoto

Paul had an ailment of some kind, a thorn in the flesh. Scholars aren’t sure what that was exactly. Some think he was going blind. Others think he had a problem with his leg which may have caused him to limp. Maybe he had a problem with anger. Whatever it was, Paul asked God to heal him of it. God replies, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul would not be healed this side of heaven, yet God assured Paul he would have everything he needed to fulfill his mission of spreading the good news of Jesus. Paul’s weakness would shine a light on the goodness and power of God.

Application
Whispers of assurance are full of truth and grace. God doesn’t always provide what we desire, but always provides what we need.

Prayer
Jesus our Shepherd and Savior, you are near, speaking words of assurance to the broken and despairing. Help all who are suffering to be able to hear you above the pain and chaos. Help them to believe and trust in your promises. Help them to see you at work and rejoice. You are working all things for good and for your glory. You are near. Draw us near. Thank you for your compassion and companionship. Amen.

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For more information on the Power of a Whisper campaign or for a copy of this reading plan, click here

As you read, you are encouraged to use the SOAP Method for keeping a spiritual journal, as taught at New Hope Christian Fellowship in Hawaii. For more information on this simple and powerful way of engaging the Word of God, please click here or use the simple instructions provided in the reading plan itself.

I look forward to reading your comments and to all that Jesus will do in you and through you as you learn to better listen and respond to God’s whispers in your life. – Lisa <><

PS- For more information on the scripture translation, art and the use of this devotional in other settings, please refer to the copyright information page.