There is a difference between listening and hearing. There is also a disparity between looking at something and truly seeing it. Too often we are satisfied with listening or looking without fully experiencing and benefiting from what is right in front of us.
Why do some people perceive opportunities and dangers better than others do? Why is it that certain individuals recognize trends as they begin while others are constantly trying to catch up after the fact? Why do some people identify warning signs in peoples’ behavior while others are oblivious until disaster strikes? Why are some people always prepared while others are constantly being caught by surprise? It is a matter of being able to perceive what is before us.
More importantly, why do some people regularly hear God’s voice while others continually experience heaven’s silence? Why do some people recognize God’s activity all around them while others never see a thing? It has to do with our spiritual senses.
Jesus once chastised His disciples because they had spiritual eyes but they were not seeing, and spiritual ears but they were not hearing anything (Mark 8:18). Is it time for a spiritual eye and ear checkup? Are you fully perceiving and experiencing all that God is doing around you?