As part of a program offered by Healing Care Ministries entitled Rooted Colleen & I facilitate a nearly year-long cohort meeting in our region. As participants, we have weekday assignments following teaching on specific topics designed to aid us in our journey of spiritual maturity. At the top of the page in our workbook, we open our quiet time by considering a simple question. “Holy Spirit Come, My Prayer Today…….”
In one of those moments, I asked God to speak to my heart and reveal what HE had for me this day. Now understand something, it wasn’t all that long ago that I had a very different view of whether God spoke to me other than through external forces. Obviously, His Word, often circumstances, and many times through other people. But directly to my heart? Not so much. Well…. this time it was as if He was sitting next to me. I heard – To make a difference in someone’s life. My prayer for the day.
Fast forward…….
Making the turn after 9 holes of golf with a friend that afternoon I stopped by the concession stand to get a Coke Zero. While talking to the gal behind the counter I looked over and caught the eye of an old acquaintance that I hadn’t seen in years, except occasionally on Facebook. What happened next was shocking but so encouraging I hardly have words to describe it. He gave me a huge hug and said, “Great to see you, Steve”. All I could do was hug back and offer the same greeting. We exchanged pleasantries asking about family, friends, and business. Next thing here comes another hug and a proclamation “I love you brother. What you’re doing is so amazing. Such a great encouragement to me”.
Now that’s how God answers prayer.
The very next morning as I was listening to Nicky Gumbel on the You Version of The Bible in One Year I heard, “Do you ever wonder whether you can make a difference to the lives of those around you? It is God’s blessing in your life that enables you to make a difference in the lives of others. God is the source of all blessings. He loves to bless you.”
Really? Huh.
Why am I telling you this story?
Certainly not because I’m special or get to experience anything different than what’s available to every Christ-follower. To any believer that raises his or her hand and says, I want this. What stands in our way is often a belief ingrained in the core of our being – that it simply is NOT possible to hear from God. Or worse yet, we’re simply unable to experience the answer to prayer in such a unique and personal way. I’m here to tell you that just isn’t true. Truth and belief are often contradictory terms. The enemy would love for us to believe intimacy with God is not attainable this side of Heaven. But the absolute truth is diametrically opposed to that notion.
Walking and talking with God is a category that needs to be explored and pursued with an alacrity of spirit. God gave me the prayer and He gave me the answer that same day – through an acquaintance that I hadn’t seen in years. He showed me that I am making a difference in the lives of people around me. Just by being obedient to His calling.
What you don’t know is how often I doubt. Doubt whether the message of Embracing Brokenness Ministries is reaching the eyes, ears, and hearts of those I encounter, especially online. That doubt got alleviated with a resounding YES, it is. God gave me the question and He gave me the answer as a rescue. A rescue from a pending agreement with myself and the enemy that what I do, doesn’t matter. Well of course it matters. It all matters. As it does for each of you.
Moral of the story? Ask God your most intimate wonderings. Ask Him to reveal the truth over your belief. Ask Him for the influence to make a difference in someone’s life today and watch what happens. It may be the rescue you so desperately need, and He so lovingly wants to provide.
