Hearing the Lord

Isaiah 42:20 (NIV)

You have seen many things, but you pay no attention;

    your ears are open, but you do not listen.”

During the winter of 1943, two-year-old Steven Henning of Huntley, Illinois caught spiral meningitis. Because of World War II, there was a shortage of needed penicillin to treat Steven. Sadly, he lost his hearing.

For the next 57 years, Steve lived in his silent world. He married, he and his wife Pat adopted five children, but he was isolated and frustrated from the world of the hearing.

Then on January 30, 2001, Steve underwent an experimental procedure called a cocklear implant. Following the procedure, Steve had to wait 6 weeks for the swelling from the operation to subside.

Finally in mid-March Steve’s family gathered around him in his hospital bed and the audiologist told Pat to say whatever she wanted him to hear first. Pat leaned over and gently said in Steve’s ear “I love you.”

The Henning family went silent, waiting for Steve’s response. Finally he said: “I can hear that!” “I think I’m going to have to get used to that sound” said Steve.

Steve’s operation opened up a whole new world for him as he learned how to hear for the first time.

For too long, many people have lived in their silent world, not hearing the voice of their Heavenly Father. Let’s help the world around us hear the voice of our Lord.

Dear Lord, today we pray for those who do not personally know as their Savior. We ask that they may recognize Your voice today.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.