Messay: Obeying God

          How do I obey God when I'm not sure if it's His voice speaking to me? I don't know. Even talking about this is hard because using words to describe God is difficult. Sometimes, though, I hear a command—a statement or a calm yes or no—and I know I need to obey. My immediate reaction is often resistance, which causes me to want a repeat of the message. I think this is one place where I cloud God's communication with me. My next response is often to wish for an explanation and further instruction, which I don't think I've ever received. What do I do then? If I'm told not to do something, what do I do instead? 

          There are lots of things I could do. Maybe I'm supposed to listen. Maybe I'm supposed to move on to something else less spiritual, more pragmatic, and continue to pray for clarity about the issue and listen to God. That's how it was when I dropped my dance minor. I can see the strengths of this response, because it reminds me not only to bring my requests to God but also to listen before Him. What are other responses I could have? Besides, of course disobedience, which is especially a temptation in situations like this because it is hard to act in trust, to obey with no given reason. 

     Do you have any thoughts on prayer, listening to God, and obedience? I'm reading Prayer by Tim Keller, so hopefully that lends clarity.