Words have power. Written words provide proof. You can read them, and reread them whenever you want. They can speak life to someone who needs encouragement. They can speak death to someone who is being deceived. The choice lies within you. How is it that you want people to remember you? Encourager...that is the gift that God has laid on my heart. To use my written, spoken, and/or sung words to lift people up. To be one link in their road to healing, restoration, joy. I have been without those things, and I claim them to be mine again. If you want me to seek God on a prayer for a specific situation...that is why I am here. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to pray God's Word of Life over you.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

It starts with a gentle nudge

You have felt it. The nudge of God. 'Talk to her.' 'Give her money that you have.' 'Sing the song I have laid on your heart.' 'Hug her.' 'Pray with her.' That is what even this post is. I read my devotional yesterday morning and it was talking about this exact subject. I immediately remembered a story from a few years back. My hands are literally falling asleep, and it is painful for me to type today, but the nudge of God is greater. I like it gentle...not so much when it is a shove. Haha!

I was at church a few years ago...and the pastor gave a challenge. Pray for God to send you to someone this week. I prayed. Honestly I did. But, I was at home all week. With just my husband and kids. I didn't see a single person. So, I thought...HA...I got off easy on that one. So, it is now Saturday night. Week is almost over. And Eric and I decide that we are going to get some chicken wings from a bar that is not to far from our house. For some reason that it is unimportant...and I don't remember...we had a disagreement. So on the way to pick up the wings...I was annoyed. I was scream praying to God about how mad I was. Silly...but I felt better.

So, I get to the bar. I am uncomforable just being there. So I keep my wool peacoat all buttoned up. Hat on. Obvious to others that I am not planning to stay. I go up to get and pay for my food. And there was a problem. Apparently the wings were frozen and were taking longer to cook. Great. Here I am. Annoyed. Sweating. Red faced. And now I have to wait even longer. Ugh!

I stand...again to make it look as though I am uncomfortably not staying. I can't help but overhear this conversation happening on the other side of the room. A mother and what seems to be a late teenage daughter, screaming. I tried not to stare. Finally, the young girl stood up and stormed out. Clearly not happy!!

For a second, the eyes of the mother and mine met. I quickly looked away from the mother's gaze, as if to say that I hadn't a clue what had just happened. Pretty soon I see her rise up out of her seat and make her way over towards me. So I did what any judgemental Christian woman would do. Look down, and maybe she'll walk by. Not proud of that...but it is part of this process. A learning experience.

She stopped right infront of me. And asked with gentle eyes and a sweet voice..."Would you like to sit with me?" Here it is. This is my moment. I prayed for this moment. I could feel the gentle nudge. I responded..."No, thank you. I am just waiting for my food." Again she says, "You could sit with me while you wait." Another, slightly firmer nudge. Again, I say, "It should be done any minute." A third time, this time a bit of pleading can be heard in her voice, "Please would you sit with me? I am lonely." In my mind I was like....'For real God? Seriously...I get it. Geesch. Okay I will go!' So finally after the shove that caught my compassion...I said, "Sure."

We sit down and she begins to tell me what just happened between her and her daughter. She tells me that they have been struggling a lot lately. I tell her that I would love to pray with her. Her eyes brightened right up. She said she would love that. So, as to not to draw attention to myself...I ask her if she is almost ready to go. My food had come...and infront of her was only one lonely bottle of beer. I told her that we could pray outside. Ashamed? I guess so. I couldn't believe that I was being so silly. It was prayer. It was a women I had never met. It was a place that I don't often go. What is the worst that could happen?

So, her response to my question on if she was ready to leave...."I will wait til I am done with my beer." Again I was like....'God, you are not going to make this easy on me are you? Okay, I will do as you lead!' So, I said..."Alright we are going to pray right here". She grabbed both of my hands accross the top of the table and smiled. Awkward...yes. I prayed whatever God was speaking to me. I had no idea if that seed would later flourish...or if the conversation would even be remembered. As she stood, it was apparent that that was the not the first bottle of beer she had finished that night.

I gave her a ride home, and I returned home crying. Just as I had come. This time the tears ran not out of anger...but out of humbleness. Out of shame that I would even dare try to hide my faith. Out of gratefulness...that after all that I did wrong...He still used me! And now, I only remember the lesson that I learned. I don't feel ashamed. I don't dwell on my faults. I dwell on how God can take the slightest shred of willingness...and use it for His purpose. I am not sure if that prayer was for the woman at all. But I know it was for me!

Listen to the whispers of God. He is a gentleman. He longs to use you, for you! He wants to unleash His power in your life...for your faith. His Kingdom will gain...and you will grow! That is a Win Win! =)

2 comments:

  1. wow vanes, that is a beautiful story. I am so glad that you allow God to use you, your blog is such a blessing to me. Keep 'em coming!

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  2. Thanks Rach! I appreciate your encouragement!! =)

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