Listen Up

‘History has a strange habit of looking inevitable in hindsight and improbable in real time.’

This quote points out the importance and value of listening well. History isn’t written on a blog or social media post. History is written in books. When we had a functioning free press, we could hear history being made in real time. The ability to listen well gives us the ability to see the present more clearly and know what history will look like.

It’s easier to understand what is happening in the present if we learn to listen well. It’s also possible to know what is yet to come if we listen to the right source.

If there were access to sources on the ground in Ukraine or Taiwan it would increase the probability of seeing the history in those countries unfold. The same is true in cities and states across America. Noise, chatter and lies are secondary to hearing crickets. All of this assumes a willingness and ability to listen well. A source is essential. Wisdom and discernment are critical to choose and believe among all the voices we hear.

Anyone who considers themselves a Christ follower knows we make the choice to listen and believe (or not) what we hear. The Bible says things we don’t like but it IS Truth. Eve had the choice to believe and accept what she heard. Gideon had the choice to take 30,000 plus men into battle or listen to God and whittle the number down to 300 even when it made NO common sense. Noah had never seen rain or had any idea what a boat was, but he listened and followed the instructions given to him. On the other hand, Lot’s wife didn’t listen well and heed the warning about not looking back. We all know the consequences.

In 2026 one of the obstacles in listening well is the volume of chatter. It’s not just social media. Our political leaders, institutions and even churches espouse conflicting and changing views. The medical community redefines recommendations every few years. One day the mere accusation of being a Nazi can end a career and the next you can be supported for office with the tattoo on your chest. No new wars may prove a slogan and not a policy. Voices can stay the same but the message is constantly changing.

We live in a world that demands we listen well. People constantly change. We are told intelligence is becoming artificial. New studies with supporting data can alter what we hear and think. The definition of a vaccine changes. Recommended cholesterol levels change like the weather. How many shots to give your children varies from one administration to another. Doubt rules the day. Once the seed of doubt is planted, the real test of listening and understanding begins.

The Bible refers to understanding as wisdom. God’s Word is two steps ahead of how to understand and deal with doubt stemming from change. James put it bluntly… ‘If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously without finding fault, and it will be given to you.’ For those not well versed, asking God for wisdom is also known as prayer. When we pray and ask God to give us understanding, James reminds us ‘it will be given to you.’ He continues, ‘But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.’ Have you stood on the shore and watched the instability and unpredictability of waves? Kinda resembles the headlines and history being written in real time, doesn’t it?

The ever changing opinions and advice from people is a major factor effecting how and who we listen to these days. The Creator of it all, the God of the Old Testament and his Son, Jesus is the only voice to listen for and trust. He does not shift and change with the times. Nothing can alter who and what God is. But, HE will alter how you listen. He will make the probability of the future become more clear.

There is no new Disclosure Day or data to negate the Word of God. If a production causes you to doubt and question the voice or Word of God, your entire life may start to be blown and tossed about. Christ calls that building your life on shifting sand and not the rock of Truth. James said when this happens you ‘should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in everything they do.’ Sound like anyone you know?

When Jesus left this side of the dirt, He said there was more to listen to, more than we could handle, and He would take care of that for His followers. For those who choose to commit and submit, God promised us a friend. A source to support our ability to listen well. A guide, an advocate, someone trustworthy of listening to. “‘But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own, he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is to come.'”

The Holy Spirit makes history visible in real time. The Holy Spirit makes the improbable, probable. Only the Holy Spirit speaks truth in real time and gives understanding to what is and is to come.

Listening well requires being able to discern among all the voices clamoring for our ears, eyes, hearts…and soul. Get back to listening to the Holy Spirit first second and last. Recognize His voice. Trust and follow His Truth alone.