Week 292

Positive post Sunday, September 25, 2022- Week 292.

Have you ever had an experience where you are listening to someone talk to a group and it feels like they are talking directly to you? Or someone is talking directly to you, and you feel like God is speaking to you through them?

With an open heart and mind, we can all hear God speaking to us, sometimes when in silence or prayer and often through the words of others. I have experienced this many times throughout my life and it is an amazing and powerful feeling, and often spiritual. The message is not always flattering and often requires a change in my behavior, but in all cases, listening to God’s word has helped guide me throughout my life journey.

I also believe that God sends us encouragement, support and resources to help us navigate through the many challenges we face in our lives. Have you ever had an experience where something or someone appeared at just the right time to help you through a difficult time. Some may see these experiences as coincidences, but I see them as examples of divine intervention. God’s presence is sometimes subtle, often pronounced and always visible and powerful to those that seek His guidance.

Although there are countless times where God has been present when I needed him most in my life, let me share a few examples.

Eighteen years ago, Michele and I were at the hospital with family anxiously awaiting the birth of our 2 grandchildren Kendall and Nikole. Our little angels were very premature, with a 5% chance of survival so we were all deeply concerned. We had been at the hospital for several hours without food or sleep and our dear friends from church, Chris and Beth Hauso (May Chris be resting in peace), showed up at the hospital with drinks and food for all of us. They didn’t do what most of us do, call and ask if they could do anything, to which most of us reply, “We’re okay”, even when we are not. They knew we were exhausted and hungry, and humbly acted without any fanfare or attention. We were so grateful. I thanked God for working through his servants Chris and Beth to take care of us during this most vulnerable time in our lives. They taught me humility and to act not ask when others need our help.

Another example is when I was preparing for the honor of being the officiant at my aunt Marjorie’s celebration of life (May she be resting in peace) and the good Lord reconnected me with Deacon Michael Bellinder at a church event. I did not know that Deacon Mike had been serving in the hospice ministry, but God did. Deacon Mike’s support, advise and encouragement were extremely helpful, he was a gift to me from God. The celebration went well and I’m sure my aunt is looking down on us with great appreciation. When I thanked Deacon Mike for his support and guidance, he said something that I will always remember. He shared a brief yet powerful prayer he says frequently, “Lord, let me be the answer to someone else’s prayer today.” Deacon Mike was the answer to my prayers that day!

God speaks to us all the time; our challenge is opening our hearts and minds to hear him. And when we do, great things happen!

Do you listen for God’s guidance in your life and act on it?

How do you show up at just the right time to support those in need, acting not asking?

How will you be the answer to someone else’s prayers today?