Miracle Ear

I turned down the volume of the television so I could hear better.

My husband was in his office and had just answered his phone. I smiled mischievously. My plan was working perfectly.

“Hello,” he answered.

“Huh?” came his next response.

I could hardly suppress my giggles.

“Uh…” he stammered. “I am not interested in purchasing your product. Uh, no, thank you. Bye-bye.”

After a beat, I heard him call out my pet name.

“Yes?” I answered, with all the innocence I could manufacture.

Practical jokes make an occasional appearance in our household, and this was one of them.

Have you ever seen an advertisement for Miracle-Ear? It’s a hearing aid company, and its advertisements seem to turn up everywhere—in newspapers, in the mailbox, and, on this particular day, on my phone.

When a salesperson called to ask whether I was interested, I politely declined. But with a little time on my hands, I suggested that perhaps my husband would be.

The salesperson eagerly took his information and immediately called him.

I knew my husband would not be interested in a hearing aid—even if he happened to need one (he doesn’t). Hearing his surprise was all the entertainment I had hoped for.

You may not share my sense of humor. My husband might appreciate it if ya’ll didn’t encourage me.

But recently, he mentioned our running joke about needing a Miracle Ear, and it got me thinking.

We as Christians really DO need a Miracle Ear.

I’m talking about an ear anointed by God: sensitive to His voice, discerning about what it hears, and obedient to what He says. An ear that loves His truth and clings to whatever He wants to tell us—even when His instructions interrupt our plans.

Because, let’s be honest, we sometimes want God to speak as long as He says what we want to hear.

“Lord, direct my steps. And if possible, direct them toward the destination I have already mapped out.”

We need a Miracle Ear that amplifies God’s Word when our eyes see mountain after mountain.

We need a Miracle Ear that listens for His direction about which doors to walk through and which doors to close.

We need a Miracle Ear that recognizes His truth and refuses to settle down with the enemy’s lies.

Jesus said:

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” —John 10:27, KJV

A Miracle Ear involves more than hearing. It leads to obedience.

Noah listened when God told him to build an ark. Hearing the instructions alone would not have kept his family safe. He had to build what God told him to build.

Esther listened to her cousin Mordecai, who had raised her. He challenged her to consider whether she had come to her royal position “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). She responded with courage, even though approaching the king meant risking her life.

I also see examples of Miracle Ears in the people around me.

In 1997, my mother believed God directed her to buy a Dodge Caravan minivan.

I had hoped for something a little cooler. A green minivan was not exactly my idea of driving in style.

But that van became our family’s sole source of transportation for an entire summer, shared by my mother, my brother, and me. Someone was always driving it—to work, to school, on a date, or to run errands. My mother would comment that it never sat idle.

I saw a green van but God saw what our family would need.

My mother listened and obeyed.

I think of my friend Cortaiga, who heard God’s call to start an all-boys school for children in north St. Louis. That kind of assignment requires faith beyond simply having a good idea. Faith to pioneer a great work, in a hard place with a great need. 

And I think of my own journey: hearing God tell me it was time to close my retail sewing shop, to strengthen our sewing workforce program for people formerly incarcerated, and begin a transitional home for those returning from prison. This made sense but it also didn’t make sense, if you know what I mean. However, having a Miracle Ear means you stay attentive to God, and  when He says, “It’s time.” It is time. 

When you think about it, the ability to hear God and respond really is miraculous. 

We all can pray, “Lord, make my ears sensitive to You.” 

No sales appointment required.

Here is my challenge to you: For the next few days, turn down the volume.

Set aside ten minutes each day to put your phone away, turn off the television, and sit with God’s Word. Begin with asking God to speak to you. 

Read a passage of Scripture slowly. Write down what it reveals about God and any response it calls for in your life. Ask Him to help you discern what you are hearing.

Then practice obedience. Perhaps you need to apologize, offer encouragement, forgive someone, or take a step you have been avoiding. Let what you hear shape what you do.

Hi, my name is Kacie Starr Long. I am an author, and speaker and I love to use my voice to point people to Jesus. When I'm not writing, I'm either hanging out with my husband or sewing. God delivered me from food addiction and I have a sewing ministry, called the Sew Hope . I am the proud wife of Alfred T. Long, Sr and together we lead a non-profit that provides services for those battling substance abuse and those impacted by incarceration. Connect with me at www.InspiredOverflow.com and via my YouTube page for Christian teachings and encouragement.

PS Friends: I've recently published a NEW book called War On the Floor. This book is for those with a loved one who is deep in addiction. It's a collection of prayers to help you remain focused and strengthened as you believe God for breakthrough. There is truly power in prayer! Order your copy today.