The Day I Stopped Running and Started Listening
By Dr. John Roberts, THD | FaithQuake Ministries
There Was Once a Time… There was once a time when my life revolved around one person—me.
I craved to be heard, seen, recognized, and respected. I pursued wealth and influence, reaching for everything that sparkled. But no matter how much I gathered, something was still missing. And the more I gained, the emptier I became.
Maybe you’ve been there too—searching, striving, comparing, desiring. Maybe you’re there right now. If so, I want to share a moment that changed everything for me.
When Time Knocked
Time, like a quiet but determined visitor, came knocking one day. But it didn’t come to sit down for coffee or make small talk. It came with a bill—a demand for payment. Not just of money, but of purpose, peace, and identity.
I scrambled to pay with everything I had: my accomplishments, reputation, relationships, and even my pain. But nothing satisfied the cost.
And then… I heard a voice.
“What are you looking for, John? I’m right here.”
—The Lord God
I stopped. I stood still. And for the first time, I listened.
The Still, Speaking God
God didn’t thunder from the sky or overwhelm me with force. He simply stood—present and patient. He spoke—not just in words but in peace that flooded my soul. I had been chasing everything but Him, and yet He had never moved.
“Be still, and know that I am God!”
—Psalm 46:10
His voice wasn’t just for the prophets, the preachers, or the holy few. It was for me. And it’s for you, too.
God is still speaking.
God is still saving.
Not just when we first believe—but throughout the entire journey.
Not Just Salvation—Transformation
So often, we think of salvation as a one-time event. A moment of decision. A walk down the aisle. A prayer. And while that beginning is beautiful, salvation is also a process. It’s the ongoing journey of discovering the King of Glory, not just the gates of the Kingdom.
“Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me… work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”
—Philippians 2:12b–13
Each day is an invitation to let go of self and take hold of the Savior.
The Lesson I Would Teach the World
If I could share only one lesson with every person I meet—young or old—it would be this:
🛑 Stand still.
🙌🏽 Get out of God’s way.
👂🏽 Learn to hear His voice for yourself.
The world is loud. Culture is demanding. But God’s voice still cuts through the noise. And His voice carries everything you’ve ever truly longed for—identity, peace, purpose, and love.
A Word to You, Wherever You Are
To the teenager searching for worth:
God sees you. You don’t have to earn His approval—it’s already been offered in Christ.
To the single mother feeling overwhelmed:
He’s standing with you, speaking hope and strength into your journey.
To the man chasing status or wealth:
There’s a deeper treasure waiting. And it’s eternal.
To the elder who wonders if time has passed you by:
Your latter days can be your most fruitful. God’s not finished.
To the wounded, the wanderers, and the weary:
He still saves. He still speaks. And He still stands ready to receive you.
Grace and Peace
Let this be your reminder today:
God is not hiding. He is not silent. He is near. And if you stop long enough to listen—you’ll hear Him say:
“I’m right here.”
May God richly bless you and keep you is my prayer.
Grace and Peace,
Dr. John Roberts, THD
FaithQuake Ministries