I was not always able to get clear leadings from the Lord. In my agonizing to hear Him, I would get in such a tumult inside that God could not talk to me. I had to get perfectly calm and quiet in my spirit.

We desire God's best, but something stands in the way that we are not able to surrender because it hurts to give it up. It's some sore spot that we don't want people to talk about or put their finger on; every time anyone touches it, we cringe. We are happy as long as we can keep it covered, but when the Holy Spirit begins to probe, we cringe and wriggle, twist and groan. But there is only one way to get relief: Lean back and let Him probe until He gets to the bottom. When the sore is taken out by the Holy Spirit, the spot cleansed by the blood of Jesus, there is great relief.

Today it is our privilege to get so close to God, so still that when He speaks we can hear His slightest whisper. If we--like John the beloved--are close enough to lean upon His breast, we must hear Him speak. Then we'll have clear leadings.

--Mrs. Lydia Markley Piper
April 1909