I remember how exciting it was to discover that prayer is a two-way conversation. After years of "formula" praying, I was thrilled at the thought that I could actually talk to Him and hear His response. Later, however, I came to a time when something was blocking my ability to hear. I asked the Lord for specific instructions on a certain subject, and was shocked to hear His gentle rebuke: "Why do you want Me to tell you what to do about this? You still have not obeyed what I told you to do about this [same subject] months ago."

It was a sobering moment. I quickly recalled what He had asked me to do months prior, and I sheepishly confessed my disobedience. As soon as I followed through on His previous instructions, the lines of communication were reopened.

Scripture records many times in which God's people heard His voice, but ignored or tried to alter His instructions. Here are some of those examples, which can help us to be more faithful receivers of what He has entrusted to us.

Moses and Aaron

Israel had a desperate need that drove Moses and Aaron to seek directions from God (Num. 20:1-13). What was the immediate need?

What did God tell Moses and Aaron to do?

Moses and Aaron did not follow God's instructions. What did they do instead?

God said they were guilty of what (Num. 20:12; Dt. 32:51)?

What did disobedience cost Moses and Aaron?

Saul

Samuel anointed Saul as king and passed on very specific instructions from the Lord for Saul to follow (1 Sam. 10:1-8). What was Saul supposed to do in Gilgal (v. 8)?

What did Saul do at Gilgal (1 Sam. 13:8-12)?

Read 1 Samuel 15. What was the Lord's message to Saul regarding the Amalekites (vv. 1-3)?

Was Saul willing to follow God's instructions (vv. 7-9)?

How did the Lord respond to Saul's actions (v. 10)?

Saul tried to defend his "partial" obedience (vv. 15-21). How did the Lord view this (vv. 22-23)?

What did disobedience cost Saul (1 Sam. 13:13-14, 15:24-35; 1 Chron. 10:13-14)?

Solomon

Read 1Ki 3:1-15; 4:20-34; 9:1-9; 11:1-13. Solomon went from a position of experiencing God's pleasure (3:10) to having the kingdom torn from him (11:11). God had told Solomon he could have whatever he asked for (3:5). What did Solomon ask for (3:6-9)?

What did Solomon receive (3:10-14)?

List the evidences of God's blessing on Solomon's kingdom (4:20-34).

What specific instructions did the Lord give to Solomon regarding his behavior (9:1-9)?

What influence led to Solomon's disobedience (11:1-8)?

What did disobedience cost Solomon (11:9-13)?

The Intercessor from Judah

Read 1 Kings 13. After the man of God interceded for King Jeroboam, he refused an invitation to the palace (vv. 6-9). Why?

The intercessor went out of his way to follow the Lord's instructions until a prophet convinced him that God had new instructions for him (vv. 10-18). How did he respond (v. 19)?

How did the Lord view his response (vv. 20-22)?

What did disobedience cost the man of God (vv. 23-32)?

Conclusions

Amos 4:13 records a specific activity of God in regard to man—what is it?

Once God reveals His thoughts, what happens to them (Dt. 29:29)? What responsibilities come with the implied ownership?

Read Judges 6. Based on the Lord's interaction with Gideon, how do you think God views it when we ask Him for confirmation of His voice?

Why do you think it is so important to God that we listen carefully and obey completely?