Do you ever ask God for direction?

How do you respond when He answers with something you did not expect? Do you ask more questions or do your own thing?

I am trying to learn how to listen better. I tend to ask more “how” questions and then get scared and chicken out of responding.  Sometimes I get too impatient and just get things done myself.

It reminds me of the story of Saul. Saul was given instructions, but he did things his own way:

Then the word of the Lord came to Samuel:  “I regret that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions.” Samuel was angry, and he cried out to the Lord all that night.
1 Samuel 15:10-11

Fortunately, there are examples of people seeking God’s instructions and following them, like Samson’s parents who asked for the details of how to prepare for and raise Samson in Judges 13.

Sometimes we just need to sit and wait on Him in His timing. I have struggled with this in my own life.  I will be trying to talk to God but get distracted or feel pressed for time; then I get up and do things to the best of my understanding, and it’s a disaster.  When we actually sit with and wait on God, He reveals things beyond our understanding. God desires full obedience; He also knows what is best for you.

What is your default: to ask questions or do your own thing?  Is there something you can do to improve how you listen and obey? I for one need to be more disciplined in spending time with Him.

Tell us in the comments if there is anything that helps you avoid impatience or to listen better.