October 1, 2026
My husband, Wayne, had surgery on his foot in the middle of December. He has been unable to walk on that foot for a little over three weeks now. Earlier this week, I took him to the doctor for his recheck. She was able to take the stitches out and informed him he could start gradually walking with a soft surgical shoe.
I laughed to myself when she said the word "gradually." I knew he was so anxious to drive, walk, work around the house, etc., that gradual might not be in his vocabulary. I realized, from being married to him for almost 48 years, that he could possibly need me to be his voice of reason. You know, the one who tells him to slow down, think about what he is doing, and take a break.
As I thought about this, I was reminded of the true voice of reason in our lives. God is the voice of reason that we all should seek and follow. God's voice of reason is given to us to not only direct us to do the right thing, but His direction is given in love. Sometimes my reasoning might be for selfish purposes or just trying to prove I'm right.
However, God's reasoning is divine. His voice is wisdom covered in love. The wonderful thing is that God wants to share His wisdom with us. He wants to talk to us, but He also wants us to be intentional about listening and hearing His voice. In Jeremiah 33:3, God says, "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and hidden things that you have not known."
God is there. He will not leave or forsake us. Our job is to call out to Him and listen for His response. He will direct us in all things if we just ask. God has the ability to see the entire picture of our situation when we might just have a glimpse. I love the scripture in Isaiah 30:21 that says, "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying this is the way, walk in it." God's voice is the voice of reason and direction. He can guide us toward what is good, fair, and loving, even when the road might be difficult.
Wayne has had so many issues with his feet. He has had at least seven surgeries and several toes amputated. The recoveries have been difficult at times. However, I see God's hand of protection even when it has been difficult.
The surgery he had several weeks ago is an example. We found out after the fact that the infection had been in the bone. Because he had the surgery, she was able to remove the infected part of the bone to save it from spreading. God is good even when the roads are difficult and unknown to us, and for that I am very thankful.
I am happy to report that my husband is taking things slowly. I am thankful that he listens, most of the time, to my voice of reason. However, I am more thankful that he listens and follows the true voice of reason from our Heavenly Father. His voice is different from mine. When my voice might change with my emotions God's will not. God's voice will be calm in the chaos, light in the darkness, and grounded in love and truth. Psalms 32:8 says, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you." Listen for HIS voice.
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Jill Johnson finds spiritual applications in her everyday experiences as a wife, mother, grandmother, and Georgian. Jill is retired from the Georgia Baptist Mission Board and is available to speak to your church's women's gatherings. Reach her at jjohnson@gabaptist.org.
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