聆聽 Listen

主耶和華賜給了我一個受教者的舌頭，

使我知道怎樣用言語扶助疲乏的人；

主每天清晨喚醒我，他每天清晨喚醒我的耳朵，

使我能像受教者一樣靜聽。 以賽亞書50:4

The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary.He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. Isaiah 50:4

每逢遇到挑戰的時候，我本能是先逃避。我特別像軟弱時的摩西，神派他去辦一件他覺得難辦的事，他便會百般的推遲。但這裏提醒我，縱使能言善辯並非與生俱來，那安慰和扶助別人的舌頭是神額外所賜的。很奇妙，神開路將那說話笨拙的我擺在運用時常使用言語的崗位。坦白說，我還是會緊張怕做不好。可是我的容量在煅練下似乎越來越廣，也減少選擇逃避了。當中不知有多少禱告支撐着我，我詫異於神的工作，祂的大能讓人的軟弱顯得完全。

This verse has been an impactful encouragement this year. I have often been timid and avoidant when facing challenges. Much like Moses in his youth, I would look for an excuse, an escape route. But this verse reminded me that words are given by God, and that eloquence is not merely an inborn talent. I have seen how God is leading me to a position to comfort and counsel. Though I was once shy and anxious, He is equiping me, developing my capacity, and building my character for His work. I have been supported by many prayers and by God’s power, which is made perfect by my weaknesses.

而自小經歷失眠的我，發現原來失眠也不盡是壞的：神往往在我半睡半醒間與我對話。祂時而腦海裏閃過回憶，時而浮現出經文作提醒，給我新的看法、於事情的處理作引導，甚至在我的腦海裏播聖詩，讓祂的對話豐富和連結起來。這樣，我睜眼醒來便把這些立即記下和反覆思想、查考經文出處，再了解做什麼、說什麼。想起屬靈偉人及至耶穌基督也是半夜起來禱告的，雖然我不是出於積極的操練，但感謝主賜給我那些睡不好的時間，讓我聆聽祂的說話。

Having wrestled with insomnia all my life, the phrase “God wakens me morning by morning” speaks volumes. Now I am beginning to see it as a blessing in disguise: God’s voice seems clearer in the midst of quiet nights. Memories flashes across my mind, and scripture comes to mind as timely reminders. He sheds light on new perspectives and gives me space for a change of heart and repentance. He nudges me on things that need to get done, offering ideas to resolve problems. He provides encouragements, and even plays hymns in my mind. When I rise, I write down my new understanding, meditate on the Word He had impressed on me, and seek to apply them in my speech and actions. I thank the Lord for the sleepless nights, that I may listen as one being taught.