When God Speaks, Do You Listen?

“The Lord your God will be merciful only if you listen to his voice and keep all his commands that I am giving you today, doing what pleases Him.” (Deuteronomy 13:18)

For as long as I remember, I felt my words had no value. I found it almost impossible to speak from my heart, so I mostly kept my feelings to myself. Fear surrounded me in a battle that was so not pleasing to God. 

Since publishing my book, I’m learning to open up more. It isn’t because of anything I’ve done. It seems God just opens doors to me and moves my heart. The things His words utter for me to act upon are so against my character. I find it extremely amazing how He can accomplish things through us that we could not normally do without him. Through Him, all things are possible!!! He is our strength! 

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

On Tuesday, as I left for my doctor appointment, I had no clue how that trip would end. After my visit was over, I got onto the elevator. I noticed a man got on behind me. I smiled and asked how he was. At first, he told me he was fine. Then he said, “I’m not so good, but I didn’t want to lay my problems on you.” I could sense his sorrow, for his face spoke it all too well. And he was wearing sunglasses indoors.

While walking toward the door, I expressed to him my hope that everything would become much better in his situation, and we said our goodbyes. But, for some reason, I couldn’t get this person off my mind. As I got into my car, I noticed him in the parking lot across from me. His body slumped over the hood of his vehicle with his face in his hands. He was obviously very distraught over some terrible news. At that very moment, my heart was gravely shaken. I could scarcely move. I began to pray for him, as I asked God what I could possibly do to help bear this man’s obviously-heavy burden.

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

I then thought of the copy of my book I was supposed to sell to a friend this evening. I placed it in my car before leaving for my appointment so I wouldn’t have to return home before meeting with her. I felt God nudging my heart to give this gentleman this book, so I didn’t hesitate.

“Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.” (1 Peter 4:11)

I started my car and drove around until I reached his vehicle. While rolling down my window, I watched him as he lifted himself up from his collapsed position. He smiled. I asked him if he was okay. It was clear to me that he wasn’t okay, for he was weeping. I told him I prayed for God to show me what to do to help him. He said he was praying for God to help him. We wept together. I offered a listening ear, as he spilled out his very soul. I let him know I felt the need to give him my book. He and I both were so amazed at God. After communicating for quite a while, we realized we had some mutual interests. He writes music. I write song lyrics. He plays guitar. He asked if I could put lyrics to music. Oh, how I would love to do that! And I know I could, for the words and the ability comes from above. He even mentioned he had lived in the same city in another state as I had a few years ago. I was truly feeling God’s beautiful grace during these moments.

Nearing the end of our encounter, this gentleman uttered words I am so unworthy of. I can only strive to be what God intended me to be. However, I do desire to be His light to a dark and lonely world. People are struggling immensely, and this world offers very little comfort. I pray God will allow me to become a candle to light someone’s shadowed corner of the world.

“For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.” (1Thessalonians 2:4)

I cannot begin to tell you how blessed I have been today. Although going to the doctor for a cortisone shot isn’t my favorite thing to do, I would do it again if it would mean I could bless someone while there. This is what life is about…being a blessing! I wouldn’t change that opportunity for the world or any amount of money it offers. Whatever I need to do, as long as it blesses someone, it’s worth every dime it costs me.

Dear friends, God doesn’t make mistakes. He works in very mysterious ways. Keep your eyes open to what or whom He places in front of you, and keep your ears open to His voice. Be available and be willing to go out of your way to show the love of Christ to others.

It doesn’t matter what you own. It doesn’t matter if you are rich or poor. Each of us has something to share with another. Someone out there is hurting. Someone standing beside you on the elevator just needs to know you care. Reach out. Listen. Weep along with them. Be Jesus to them.

My heart is so full. I don’t own riches of this world. But what I do have is God’s love, and I will share all I have with whomever God places in my life. Thank You, Jesus! So glad to know He keeps me humbled and speaks to my heart! “Lord, help me to always listen to Your still, small voice!”  

“‘Don’t be afraid,’ he said, ‘for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!’ As he spoke these words to me, I suddenly felt stronger and said to him, ‘Please speak to me, my lord, for you have strengthened me.”‘ (Daniel 10:19)                                                                                        

Making A Difference

The shadows drift softly while darkness creeps in.
The moon glows above me as nighttime begins.
The thoughts of my day now all start to emerge.
I question my actions; evoke uttered words.

Did I bring God glory? Did I give Him praise?
Or did I claim honor for His awesome ways?
Did I share the Gospel to one who was lost?
Did I help another, no matter the cost?

Did I fail to witness of God’s love and grace?
That stranger found weeping, did I dry his face?
Did I offer friendship to someone without?
Did I share God’s mercy or end someone’s doubt?

Before night is over, Dear Lord, this I pray:
Forgive me for wasting one moment today.
When morning time enters, before day is done,
May I make a difference in the life of someone.

© 2009 Doris Hayes Gibson
All Rights Reserved