#6. God speaks through similitudes.

I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets. Hosea 12:10

Sometimes, as with Moses and Hosea, God speaks through a likeness or image (t’mnuah in Hebrew) that is so powerful we cannot get it out of our minds.

The first time this happened to me was in February of 1972 — the day that I was born again. I had asked Christ to come into my heart at 10 minutes until eight in the morning. Afterward, as I sat in history class—my favorite subject—the lesson was of little interest to me in the glow of my newfound life in Christ.

As I sat there, I suddenly saw an image of my wonderful Lord Jesus coming toward me, and I knew that He was calling me into full-time ministry. God gave me this similitude, or vision of my future, that morning, and everything I’ve done from that time until today has made real what was once an image. Wherever I’ve ministered around the globe, I’m reminded of the picture I saw in my mind that morning…and of God’s faithfulness to accomplish His perfect will in our lives if we only listen to His voice and follow His leading. I see the fruits in every service.