Today, I share a simple tip for hearing God, courtesy of Aja Schiewe, Associate Pastor of Freedom Ministries, www.gatewaypeople.com.

Ask God a "friendship question."

Aja once suggested to a young girl that she ask God: Of all the shoes in my closet which pair do you like best on me? (See. A friendship question.) So the girl asked. Aja waited quietly as the girl listened for God's answer, but didn't know what to make of the tears that appeared in her gentle eyes. God, this is a FRIENDSHIP question. It isn't supposed to make her cry.

Finally, she asked the girl, "What did God say?"

"He likes me barefoot."

What makes God's answer so remarkable is that the young girl was born with a malformation in her toes. Once she reached a certain age she stopped wearing open-toed shoes because other children made fun of her.

Wow. Wow. We can all learn from this story.

God speaks. If you struggle to hear from God, lay your big questions aside and begin with a friendship question. Remember, He will not condemn you or accuse you. God's words to you will be kind, uplifting, and life-giving. Always.

Today, I'll ask my thirteen-year-old son, Zach, to ask God a friendship question: God, of all the songs I play on my guitar which is your favorite? (This should be interesting. He's really into suffer-rock these days.)

How about you? What friendship question will you ask God today?

Note: When I refer to hearing from God, I'm not referring to an audible voice, but rather a deep sensing in the heart. Be sure and write down what you "hear" Him say and then read your answer aloud!