Hearing from God

In my attempts to walk in the Spirit, God is using some unusual object lessons to teach me some valuable lessons. For instance, during a shopping trip, God impressed upon my spirit to check out the sales in the shoe department for pool shoes.

I already possessed a wondrous pair of Speedo pool shoes, so I spent the rest of my time in the store praising God for His abundant provision for me.

The next day, the very next day, my shoes were stolen at the pool. My Father God attempted to provide for me before I even realized my need. However, I chose to praise instead of to obey (1 Samuel 15:22).

The fine tuning of my spiritual ears made a giant leap that day (Matthew 11:15). I ended up ordering a cheap pair of pool shoes online; however, for the following week, I had to wear my shower shoes to the pool.

The flip flop construction of the shower shoes rubbed a bruise on the bones between the toes of both of my feet. Even after the new pool shoes came in the mail, those bruises were a painful reminder to not only listen, but also to obey the leading of God’s Spirit.

Another morning I woke up and the Spirit told me to go out and fertilize my garden plants. I anticipated doing this the next time it rained, but I did not want to go outside before I was even fully awake.

I listened to Mother Nature murmurings outside as I rolled out from under my covers, and realized that it was already pouring rain outside. I wanted to snuggle back under my covers and snooze a while longer.

Remembering my bruised toes, I immediately slipped on my house dress and pool shoes, grabbed the bag of flower fertilizer and went outside.

The rain instantly gentled to a slow drizzle while I spread the nutrients around my three flower gardens. As I washed my hands in the kitchen sink after the chore, I enjoyed the beauty of one of the gardens outside of my window.

I also noticed that the drizzle changed back to a pouring rain - God’s perfect timing. I am so glad that this time I obeyed His Spirit immediately, or I would have resembled a drowned rat if I waited until I fully woke up to obey.

God graciously gave me that perfect window of time to nurture my plants. I see a pattern developing. God rewards all of my efforts to obey, as I learn to walk in His Spirit each moment of my day.

Prayer:

Father God, You are not really interested in pool shoes and flower gardens, but You certainly do care about my obedience to Your Spirit. You have a perfect work for me to do with my life (Ephesians 2:10). As I walk in Your Spirit, I will see the fruit of Your labors through my body, soul and spirit (Galatians 2:20, 5:15-25).

Thank You for caring so much for each individual part of Your Body (1 Corinthians 12:12). We would never have enough time to give You the praise You deserve, if it was not for the fact that we will live for eternity and worship with the angels around Your throne.

Thought for the Day:

To obey the Lord is much more important than making sacrifices for His glory. - 1 Samuel 15:22

My Life Was a Wreck - Part 1

A few decades ago, while running an errand for work, I found myself on an unfamiliar country road after dark. There were no street lights, and the street signs were scarce. 

One particular stretch of the road curved, but I did not realize it. I continued going straight. Thanks to God, there was a dirt road ahead. 

I smiled in relief that I was safe. Just then, my back tire punctured on a small rock and blew out. This sent me careening toward the high dirt embankment lining the side of the road.

I pumped my breaks, but was concerned about fully engaging them, since the car was swerving back and forth. Seeing the wall of dirt ahead, I thought it would safely stop me, since I was going so slowly.

To my surprise, my front tires went up the embankment, and the car tilted up and over until it flipped and the roof of the car hit the dirt road and smashed in. The car slid down the road for several feet with me hanging upside down by my seat belt.

I was in total shock. I paused for a moment to digest what just happened. I unbuckled my seat belt and immediately fell onto the ceiling of the car. I tried to open the door, but it was compressed out of shape and stuck shut. Squished into a coffin-sized space, I started to panic.

Frantically grabbing the handle for the window, I attempted to roll the window open to climb out, but it would not budge either. This is when panic really set in, and sent a jolt of adrenalin through my body, which was no help at all.

I quickly reminded myself that God always had everything under His control and He knew exactly where I was and what I needed. Engaging the Lord in prayer, I asked for guidance.

I breathed deeply and God's Spirit calmed my anguished soul. The Lord clearly reminded me that I was upside down and the window handle would only turn in the opposite direction. 

Of course, that worked perfectly. Once free from the wreck, I leaned up against the car for support. God sent a nurse driving by at that very moment, and she stopped to take care of me.

She took me in her car to the closest house in the neighborhood and examined me all over. No broken bones, concussion or scratches. The owners of the house called the policeman, who wrote his report and gave me a ride home.

As I walked through my front door, my nerves finally reacted and I started shaking all over from scalp to toes. My husband fixed me a cup of tea with honey, and I gulped it down. I sought solace beneath my covers, and slept until the next day.

Accompanying my daughter to the chiropractor, I was surprised to find out that I did not have one scratch or bruise. There was not one bone or spinal disc out of alignment. 

The car was totaled, but I escaped unscathed and perfectly cared for every moment of the ordeal and beyond.

Prayer:
Father God, that wreck was a milestone in my life. It taught me that Your hand was on my life regardless of what Satan tried to do to end it. I cannot thank You enough for building up my faith in Your faithfulness through that nightmare.

This experience gave me the strength I would need to face some trials, which lay ahead for me in my life. Your works are perfect and all of Your ways are just (Deuteronomy 32:4).

Thought for the Day:
God works out even the most life-threatening challenges for the good of those who love Him and live in His purpose for their life. – Romans 8:28