By Marybeth Whalen
“Share with God’s people who are in need.” Romans 12:13a (NIV)
Has God ever laid it on your heart to do something that sounded totally crazy? What was your response?
Last fall I had a wonderful adventure on the high seas as several of us set sail for the Girlfriends’ Getaway Cruise. My roommate was a fellow P31 speaker team member that I didn’t know very well yet, but grew to love during our time as roomies. Sharon Glasgow’s heart for God and sweet disposition made me so thankful that I had a chance to get to know her better.
One day during some downtime, I noticed Sharon reading her Bible. Now, let’s just say that Sharon’s Bible was well-loved. Some might go so far as to say it was falling apart! I noted the duct tape holding it together and the whole sections falling out. It was clear that Sharon’s Bible was precious to her, but I wondered how she could stand its fragileness when she traveled.
I love my Bible dearly and use it faithfully—the same Bible I have had since I was 17 years old! So, I totally understood what I perceived as Sharon’s reluctance to use any other Bible. When I got home and saw that I had a copy of the exact same kind of Bible as Sharon’s just sitting unused on a shelf, I smiled to myself. This Bible was in “like new” condition. At that moment, I felt God giving me a little nudge to send Sharon that Bible. I did what I am prone to do and argued with God about how it might offend her and that I didn’t want her to think I was judging her dilapidated old Bible. God assured me He would take care of that and I was to just obey. So I mailed the Bible off and that was the last I thought of it. Little did I know that Sharon had always wanted another Bible to replace her old one, but it was a limited edition that was no longer made. She had searched and searched but couldn’t find a new Bible that was just like the one she had. I couldn’t have known that when I sent her my new Bible - it was a much bigger gift than I imagined!
I couldn’t have imagined, but God did.
Is there something little—something so insignificant sounding—that God might be nudging you to do today? Are you arguing with Him, giving Him a list of reasons why you shouldn’t do what He has laid on your heart to do? No matter how silly, how small, or how awkward what He is asking is, might I urge you to just do it? You might never know why or what the significance could be to the recipient unless you do. I was so grateful God allowed me to participate in His answer to Sharon’s prayers. What a blessing! How could I have known what a forgotten Bible on my shelf would mean to my sweet friend?
“Give what you have, for you never know—to someone else it may be better than you can even dare to think.” - Henry Wordsworth Longfellow
Dear Lord, Thank You for caring about the details of our lives and answering our prayers so specifically. Thank You also for the times You allow me to be a part of that. Help me to listen when You direct me to do something—no matter how small or insignificant or crazy it might sound to me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?
Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer
Sanctuary: A Devotional Bible for Women
Visit Marybeth Whalen’s blog
Application Steps:
Is there something God has laid on your heart to do? If so, don’t put it off another day!
Reflections:
Have you ever had something like this happen to you? Did you find out that it blessed the person more than you could have known? Marybeth is going to be discussing this on her blog today if you would like to share your story and encourage others to follow God’s leading.
Power Verses:
Matthew 10:42, “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.” (NIV)
Matthew 25:40, “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me’.” (NIV)
Hebrews 13:3, “Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” (NIV)
© 2008 by Marybeth Whalen. All rights reserved.
“Share with God’s people who are in need.” Romans 12:13a (NIV)
Has God ever laid it on your heart to do something that sounded totally crazy? What was your response?
Last fall I had a wonderful adventure on the high seas as several of us set sail for the Girlfriends’ Getaway Cruise. My roommate was a fellow P31 speaker team member that I didn’t know very well yet, but grew to love during our time as roomies. Sharon Glasgow’s heart for God and sweet disposition made me so thankful that I had a chance to get to know her better.
One day during some downtime, I noticed Sharon reading her Bible. Now, let’s just say that Sharon’s Bible was well-loved. Some might go so far as to say it was falling apart! I noted the duct tape holding it together and the whole sections falling out. It was clear that Sharon’s Bible was precious to her, but I wondered how she could stand its fragileness when she traveled.
I love my Bible dearly and use it faithfully—the same Bible I have had since I was 17 years old! So, I totally understood what I perceived as Sharon’s reluctance to use any other Bible. When I got home and saw that I had a copy of the exact same kind of Bible as Sharon’s just sitting unused on a shelf, I smiled to myself. This Bible was in “like new” condition. At that moment, I felt God giving me a little nudge to send Sharon that Bible. I did what I am prone to do and argued with God about how it might offend her and that I didn’t want her to think I was judging her dilapidated old Bible. God assured me He would take care of that and I was to just obey. So I mailed the Bible off and that was the last I thought of it. Little did I know that Sharon had always wanted another Bible to replace her old one, but it was a limited edition that was no longer made. She had searched and searched but couldn’t find a new Bible that was just like the one she had. I couldn’t have known that when I sent her my new Bible - it was a much bigger gift than I imagined!
I couldn’t have imagined, but God did.
Is there something little—something so insignificant sounding—that God might be nudging you to do today? Are you arguing with Him, giving Him a list of reasons why you shouldn’t do what He has laid on your heart to do? No matter how silly, how small, or how awkward what He is asking is, might I urge you to just do it? You might never know why or what the significance could be to the recipient unless you do. I was so grateful God allowed me to participate in His answer to Sharon’s prayers. What a blessing! How could I have known what a forgotten Bible on my shelf would mean to my sweet friend?
“Give what you have, for you never know—to someone else it may be better than you can even dare to think.” - Henry Wordsworth Longfellow
Dear Lord, Thank You for caring about the details of our lives and answering our prayers so specifically. Thank You also for the times You allow me to be a part of that. Help me to listen when You direct me to do something—no matter how small or insignificant or crazy it might sound to me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?
Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer
Sanctuary: A Devotional Bible for Women
Visit Marybeth Whalen’s blog
Application Steps:
Is there something God has laid on your heart to do? If so, don’t put it off another day!
Reflections:
Have you ever had something like this happen to you? Did you find out that it blessed the person more than you could have known? Marybeth is going to be discussing this on her blog today if you would like to share your story and encourage others to follow God’s leading.
Power Verses:
Matthew 10:42, “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.” (NIV)
Matthew 25:40, “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me’.” (NIV)
Hebrews 13:3, “Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” (NIV)
© 2008 by Marybeth Whalen. All rights reserved.
6 Comments:
The nudging I experienced recently was to start a non profit.....This isn't something I am equiped to do. But God is taking care of that. www.hopebloomsmn.org....Only through God can I follow through.
Thanks for the encouragement.
Shannon
I love that God continues to communicate with His people. I've been reading the OT lately. And, frankly, I've been jealous of the way God talked to His people back then. But, it is up to me to be quiet and listen for that still small voice. Which is what I need to do right now!
I have been discussing this very thing in bible study and small groups. Be still and listen for God to speak. It is amazing the blessings that are received from both sides of the situation. This story is even more special to me because of knowing how wonderful Sharon is and what a blessing she is to all that meet her (we met at P31 She speaks). Thanks
I'm speaking as someone who didn't listen to God. Like Marybeth, I thought it was absolute craziness.
While I was on maternity leave, I had the time to walk my son through the park to the mall. One of my many walks, I felt the nudge to talk to this elderly lady sitting at the playground. She was a complete stranger, and I pushed aside these urges to stop what I was doing, and talk to her. Besides, after all, I'm a shy person living in a city. What is this person going to think of me, approaching her out of the blue?!
These urges were so strong, but I proceeded to walk on, fight them each step I took.
I will never know what would have come out of that, because I thought it was too crazy to talk to a stranger. Who knows if I was to be blessed by this lady or the other way around. But I know one thing for certain, I will not say no to God again. And I do hope He gives me more crazy ideas.
I just hope that anyone who reads this will learn from my example. I know for certain it was the Lord's leading, because I never really have strong urges to talk to strangers; but that's just me.
I was stationed in Germany, and of course stayed in Government Housing. One day, God told me to give my neighbor $60.00 dollars. It sounded crazy, because I thought that she would think that I was crazy. The voice kept nudging me to act, so, I took the money out of my wallet and proceeded upstairs and knocked on the door. When she came to the door, I placed the money in her hand and told her that God had put her in my spirit. I left and went back to my home. On Sunday while at church, she came over to me and showed me the dress that she wanted to purhase for the Women's Conference. However, she was unable to afford it. The money that I provided helped her get the dress. I was so glad that I listened to the voice and more importantly, I act accordingly.
Thank you for sharing your heart and God's Word. I was touched. I know that soon the Lord will show me something I have that He will want me to give away. I know this devotional will come to mind when He speaks to me! And I am ready to listen!!!
God bless you dear sister in Christ.
Kelly
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