Devotionals for the Heart: Listen

God Still Speaks
A devotional by Heather Martin

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”

— John 10:27 (NASB)

Listen.

God still speaks.

But the question is, “Are you listening for His Voice?”

Reading the Bible sometimes used to make me envious of the direct contact others had with God.

He walked and talked with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. He spoke to Moses and helped him write the Ten Commandments.

God was always showing up and during His time on earth, so many people had the opportunity to talk to Him, touch Him and directly, and rather tangibly feel Him. However, as I’ve grown older and my relationship with Him has grown deeper, I’ve realized that God is always speaking to me too, even if I cannot see Him face-to-face.

Sometimes it’s easy to recognize His voice and other times I question if I’m listening to myself.

There have been so many incidents that I can recall Him speaking and interacting with me! One such incident happened about three years ago.

My husband and I were casually looking for a bigger house for our growing family. I say “casually” because we were praying about it but not in any hurry, unless it was just the right house and situation.

We saw a house that we both were interested in and decided to go have a look. Within moments of stepping into the house I’d already written it off!

All of the flaws stood out: I didn’t care for the traditional style of the house. It was too outdated. The wallpaper was all over the place. It had a gaudy fireplace, green walls, carpet in the kids rooms, etc. By the time we’d walked through the whole house, we were sure it was not going to work for us. This was on a Friday afternoon. By Saturday morning, my husband and I brushed our teeth in silence and then looked at each other with these crazy grins.

He said, “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” I said, “That house?!” He said, “Yes!”

Since we both couldn’t get that house out of our minds, we decided that we had to go see it again!

They were having an open house the next day on Sunday, so we contacted our realtor that night to tell her that we wanted to go see this house.

Based on the area and some other biases, she tried talking us out of it. She sent us at least 50 other homes to look at instead! We insisted and told her how we felt led to that house and would like her to come with us. She agreed and met us there.

This time when we walked through the front door I still noticed the flaws, but when we got to the kitchen, I saw it with new eyes. I had this feeling that something important and special would take place there. I can’t explain it, but it was as if God was speaking directly to me and I found myself asking Him questions aloud, right there during the open house.

I said aloud, “But I don’t really like the finish on the cabinets, and do you think we could change the countertops?”

Our realtor was quick to answer and quiet me because she feared that our serious inquiries would cause the other people to take interest in the house too.

Looking back on this time, I realize that God was speaking to my husband and I as He set us up for the next phase of our lives…especially concerning our children.

All four of our children have severe food allergies. I cook and bake special recipes everyday to keep them healthy and safe. Therefore, I spend a lot of time in the kitchen and since we moved into this house, God has impressed me to use this kitchen as a stage.

I not only prepare meals for my family there, but I started a YouTube Channel called, “Chef Mommy.”

Each week I share with hundreds of people via my YouTube Channel, recipes and tips to cook healthy meals that are allergen friendly.

It turns out that the kitchen was perfect for taping because the stove is on the island, which allows me many angles to video the cooking.

Although I did end up changing the countertops and painting the cabinets, it has been such a blessing not only to my family and I, but to so many people.

When I get discouraged about communicating with God and wondering if He hears me, or still speaks, I remind myself of this time and so many other times when He’s spoken to me so loud and clear!

What about you? How has God spoken to you?

I’m so glad that God still speaks!

We just need to listen and recognize when it’s Him.

~*~
Author Bio:

Heather Martin was born the last of six siblings in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was raised by an amazing single mother (Rebecca Trotter) and was taught at an early age to love God and how to sing! 

She graduated from Oakwood University with a Bachelor's Degree in Language Arts Education and later received a Master’s Degree in Education from Kaplan University.

Shortly after graduating she followed God’s call to minister. She joined the Stellar, Dove, and Grammy-nominated gospel group Virtue, which was founded by her two older sisters Ebony Holland and Karima Kibble several years prior. Virtue has used their talents to spread the love of God across the world! They have recorded 7 studio albums and have been the recipients of numerous awards.

God has not only blessed Heather professionally, but personally. She met her husband, Dr. Colin Martin, and they have been married for 14 years. They have four children: Colin Jr. 11, Harper 10, Clark, 7, and Charleston 5.

In 2016, Heather started an online blog and vegan and allergen-friendly cooking channel called “Chef Mommy.” Heather (Chef Mommy) has cooked with numerous celebrities and top chefs to spread the news of healthy cooking and lifestyle.

In addition to this busy schedule, Heather enjoys, running, reading, writing and spending time with her family.

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Connect with Heather:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeatherTMartin
Instagram for Heather: https://www.instagram.com/thechefmommy/
Instagram for Virtue (Heather’s singing group): https://www.instagram.com/virtuegirls
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chefmommyhm