God typically speaks to me when I’m all alone. And I don’t just mean feeling God’s nudge in a time of prayer or worship. I’m talking about the deep and sometimes painful "God moments" that are life changing.

Abraham, Moses, David… these are people who changed history after getting alone and hearing from God. However, it’s hard for us to really HEAR what He’s saying when we’re surrounded by so many other voices and so much commotion.

It is my experience that God is committed to getting through to me. He is committed to getting me into a place where I can listen. Where I can hear Him. This usually means getting me alone.

There have been so many times in my journey with God that have been excruciating. It’s hard to explain unless you’ve been through it. To feel like you’re drowning on the inside while everything continues to float along on the outside. God never leaves, never forsakes, but I’ve learned He’ll do what He has to to get my attention. It’s His love in action.

The process of getting separated isn’t pretty. For me, it usually takes the shape of frustration, disappointment, fear, and then finally surrender. I need the gut-level awareness that no one or no thing will be able to help me besides Him.

I count my blessings. I have lots of great friends and people who love me. I’ve learned over the years to stay transparent with my people when life gets hard. But every once in a while, I find myself in a place where God doesn’t want me reaching out to anyone else. He wants me to stop trying to fix things and just get still.

I’ve seen my wife go through it too. I watched her battle through one of the hardest seasons of her life. She was surrounded by her family and I was there to encourage her every day. However it was a weird feeling to see God pull her into a place where only His voice mattered.

Lesson Learned: God can get us alone even when we’re surrounded by the people we love.

Jacob sent his family on ahead and wrestled with God all alone. That’s how it works.

Sometimes He strips us bare so He can meet with us. Sometimes nothing changes on the outside.

It still feels like something is wrong when He’s pulling me aside. I still freak out. I still pray like the devil is trying to destroy me. I still stay on the phone 24/7 asking for wisdom and guidance. I still get in my flesh and try to make things happen. You think I would have learned by now. I’m grateful I’m not where I used to be with this though.

Maybe you’re in a rough season? The tears are flowing. Your back is up against the wall. Things look impossible. What if this is your burning bush moment? What if nothing is wrong? What if God really is in control? What if He is just setting the scene, looking for a chance to make His appearance? Let’s both continue to learn to listen better.

I’m praying for you friend.