(In 2017, I wrote this series for the 40 days prior to Easter to prepare our hearts and minds for the significance of Jesus’ resurrection.  I’m reposting the series now for the 40 days after Easter to encourage us to follow through, living in the risen Savior and King.)

“Nobody really listens to me, but they sure like to yell at me.” Have you ever been in a position like that?

There are just a few jobs in the military for which I truly hurt – the Infantry, who often face the enemy in hand-to-hand combat; cooks, who work incredibly long hours and rarely get thanked for what they do; supply clerks, who deal with “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!”, all day long; and any communications job when we’re deployed.

I remember a night in one of our battle update brief during a deployment to Iraq.  We went through the usual briefs – Troop Commanders, S1 (personnel), (S2) intelligence and security, etc.  Then it was the Signal Officer’s (SIGO) turn to brief. “Sir, half of our high frequency radios are down.  We still don’t have tactical satellite commo.  That part for the SENS isn’t here yet . . .” and he continued on and on with the bad news.  Due to difficulties beyond his control, only one of the seven possible modes of commo was in the green.

I’d heard the Commander yell for him several times over the past few days, “SIGO!!!”  As you can imagine, the Commander was not happy that his troops on the battlefield still could not hear him.  Communications is extremely important, especially when you have talk to someone about your basic needs.  And when it comes to needs, there is no one more capable or significant to meet our needs than God Himself.  Listen to the communication that is available in Christ.

In Matthew 6:5-8, Jesus says, “When you pray, do not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Most assuredly, I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your private room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. “When you pray, don’t use vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Don’t be like them, for your Father knows what things you need, even before you ask him.”

Listen to Him talk to you through His commands, warnings and promises in His Word. His Spirit guides His people through every relationship and decision.  Then talk to Him about what you see in His Word and what’s happening on your battlefield.  You can live your life with greater clarity and confidence.  If you need wisdom or feedback, go straight to the Source.  His lines of communication are ‘green’ all the time.

If you’d like to know more about who publishes the articles, videos, and other materials on tools4trenches, you can click on the picture of me and my wife.