Paul's words in Romans 9:1-3 reveal a challenging truth: knowing God means being passionate about the lost being found. Paul describes experiencing great sorrow and unceasing anguish for those far from Jesus, using the same Greek words that describe Christ's agony in Gethsemane and the rich man's torment in hell. He was willing to be eternally separated from Christ if it meant his people could be saved. Most Christians today don't feel this kind of heart-wrenching concern for the lost around them. When we pray the dangerous prayer asking God to break our hearts for what breaks His, we position ourselves to be used by Him to reach others in our daily mission fields.

In a spiritually bankrupt time when God's voice was rare, young Samuel learned to listen and respond to God's call. His story teaches us three essential principles: be attentive to God's voice, actively ask Him to speak, and truly listen to whatever He says. Samuel's immediate obedience, humility, and persistence made him ready to hear from God, even when the message was difficult. Like Samuel's era, we live in times when everyone does what seems right in their own eyes, yet God still calls to those willing to listen. We must create space for listening, invite God to speak, and be prepared for any response He gives.

David's simple, short prayer at the end of Psalm 139 reveals a powerful truth: we are often blind to our own spiritual problems and need God to reveal them to us. After pointing fingers at God's enemies, David realizes he must examine himself first. His four-part prayer asks God to search his heart, test his thoughts, reveal any offensive ways, and lead him in God's everlasting way. This prayer requires complete honesty and willingness to change. We cannot skip steps or ask God to lead us while refusing to let Him examine our hearts. True spiritual growth begins when we courageously ask God to show us what we cannot see about ourselves and respond with genuine repentance. When is the last time you asked God to search your heart, know your thoughts, and point out any offensive way in you? Why not make today that day? Ask, listen to what He says, confess and repent of what He brings to mind, then ask Him to lead you in the everlasting way.