This topic is so far reaching and I could speak so much about it. Part of the purpose of this blog is to share my heart with you and this is something that has been becoming more and more a part of my life as God continues to do more and pour our more of His spirit on me and my family. I’ll start off by telling you a little story because one of the things that builds our faith is by hearing the stories of how God works in His children’s lives encourages us.
There are so many times in life when I don’t obey God’s voice, so I’m not perfect and I am still learning, but this past weekend, I had a huge opportunity that I was so thankful I didn’t blow past.
A local church was hosting a tour of a ministry where Brother Yun was speaking. If you haven’t heard of this amazing man and his heart for the Lord, please check him out and read his unforgettable book, The Heavenly Man. If you want a faith booster, that one is the book for you! And so much of it actually fits with the theme of this book, hearing and obeying the Lord’s voice.
The worship, the speakers, everything was so amazing and I came away so blessed. But as the night wrapped up, there was a general rush to the front to meet Brother Yun. There was a lot going on, people were moving here and there, my family was moving in the direction of the lobby to check out the book table and I had a dear friend visiting. But as my gaze swung around, I caught site of a woman across the auditorium who was sitting by her lonesome. She had a medical mask over her face, and I don’t know why, but the Lord pressed on my heart to go pray with her. Encouraged by the stories that I had just heard and by the movement of faith that has been springing up little by little in my family, I made a beeline for her, paying no mind to my family and the direction they were headed.
It was noisy and loud with the hum of voices, but I walked right up to her and said, “HI there, I just really feel like I am supposed to pray for you mind?” She barely seemed taken aback and nodded and said something in agreement. I just placed my hand on her shoulder and she bent her head as I leaned over her and started pouring out a prayer of blessing. I honestly don’t know all that I said, but the Holy spirit just placed words in my mouth and it was just a general prayer of fervent blessing for her, her family, her life. For peace. I had no idea who she was or what she was going through, but only seconds after I started praying, her frail shoulders started shaking and heaving as she sobbed beneath my hands.
If anyone knows anything about me, they know that I am a crier and when I see others weep, it sets me going. I held it together pretty well, but tears fell unchecked down my face as I tried to keep my voice from breaking and I breathed the name of Jesus over and over, just asking him to pour out His spirit and love on this woman. When I was finished and said Amen, hesitant to pull back as the Spirit was just on both of us, she started digging shakily through her purse for a tissue, thanking me over and over again as she pulled the mask from her face and started to dab at the stream of tears.
I meanwhile, without a tissue, tried to discreetly swipe at my nose which was running like a faucet. “What’s your name?” I asked.
“Mary Lou.”
“It’s nice to meet you, my name is Victoria.”
My announcement created another burst of tears. “You have no idea!” She sobbed. She proceeded to tell me that she is going through a really hard time, has cancer and her immune system is low, hence the mask and she usually wears gloves when she leaves the house. She came here because she really needed some encouragement and the message was really good, but then to have me come and pray. She told me that there is one woman in her life who prays with her and who senses (by the Spirit, I have no doubt) when Mary Lou needs prayer or encouragement. And get this. That faithful woman’s name was Victoria.
I placed my hand over my heart to keep it from jumping out my chest as I bit my lip and just nodded as I listened to her share some of her life with me. I honestly don’t remember a lot of what she said, also because I couldn’t hear her real well due to the noise and the fact that she was half crying as she shared. But it could not have been more clear to me that I was without a doubt supposed to pray with her, and by doing so, I was able to spread God’s love to her life.
I felt the urge to get back to my family, and I told her that God is faithful and that He loves her, squeezed her hand and as I was about to let go, she held on and I turned back to her.
“Thank you so much for listening to God’s voice! It’s so important. Don’t ever lose that! Always listen for and to His voice.” She admonished me through tears.
I nodded and tried to keep the tears from flowing. “I will.”
I turned and left, trying to find my family as I swiped tears away, trying to see through my fogged and tear stained glasses.
Dear ones. Take what that woman said into your own heart. God wants to speak to us. He is a relational God and He wants to have that face to face, heart to heart, voice to voice contact with us. He loves us so much, and by listening and obeying that voice, by training our hearts and heads to hear it, to be aware of his presence, we can channel that wonderful love into this world and make an impact for His glory.
“The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth.” ~ Acts 22:14
What is a testimony of when you listened to the Lord’s voice? How has He spoken to your heart?
By God’s Grace,
Victoria
This is so precious, Victoria! ♥ Thank you for sharing this!
I’m so glad it resonated with you Angela!
This is a beautiful reminder, Victoria! I’ve had those moments when God truly speaks to me, and the rewards are priceless when we follow through. ♥ I love your heart of mercy, girl!
Thank you Hosanna! Your sweet heart of encouragement always blesses me! <3 I love you too!
Oh my word this makes me cry! <3
Awww. . . *hugs* I’m glad it resonated with you!
What an amazing story!
-Brooklyne
<3
This was so inspiring. I was feeling down today and needed something to read to distract me and this was very inspiring. When I ignore Gods voice I regret it. Lately, I’ve been partying a lot and I haven’t been attending church the way I wanted to. I’ve been living a lifestyle that everyone says your supposed to live in your 20s but, I know that this lifestyle is not of God. I am going to start making some adjustments but keep sharing your stories and encouragement.
God’s got you! You will never regret turning to Him and letting Him wash you clean! I am so glad that you are listening to the Holy Spirit and allowing Christ to transform your life! Keep listening to that still small voice! Thank you for sharing your story!
Victoria you are a special young lady. God Bless you for your thoughtfulness and compassion toward others.
Marilyn
Awww. . . thank you Marilyn! Thank you so much for being one of my faithful commentors! Your sweet words always bless my day! <3
Wow, what an amazing experience!! Thank you so, so much for sharing it. It really encouraged me. It’s so easy to ignore that voice and prompting to talk to or pray for someone, but it’s so rewarding when we do – and it’s so much better than missing out on a God-ordained encounter, and doing the work he’s prepared for us. I’m so glad you listened and acted on it!! And that God used you and the compassion and love he’s filled you with abundantly. <3
I want to listen to his voice more. I've been realizing this week that I haven't been seeking him out and listening to him as much, and it made me so sad, and made me want to seek him more – and I've started already and have resolved to do it all the time. I don't think it's a coincidence that your post came after I was thinking that this weekend!! I needed to be reminded of this truth, something I hadn't considered even as part of what I was thinking this weekend – thank you. 🙂
So yes, your post encouraged me!! You are one of the very sweetest people I know, and I'm so glad to call you my dear friend and sister in Christ. You are a godly example to and influence on me even when we don't talk as often (like now, through your blog!), and one of only a couple of older-sister-friends in my life who plays that role for me. So thankful for you, dear Victoria!! <3
Oh my goodness! Sweet, Mary! This comment made my day in more ways than one! You are an amazing woman of God and I love you so much! <3
Wow…..this was precious to read, Victoria (and yes, I’m crying as well now) Thank you for sharing this with all of us <3 =)
I have had a similar experience — my grandfather has been in and out of the hospital the last three years, and I have been there with him every day he is in there. About a year and a half ago, I challenged myself to step outside my "comfort zone" (I'm a major introvert — 95% according to one personality test :D) and show the love of Christ in tangible ways to those in that building. Sometimes it's just holding a baby for a mother who needs to go to the ladies room. Sometimes it's hugging a little child who is crying, or distracting a little one so the parents can have a minute to think. Once it was walking around the heart floor with an elderly man who, the nurses told me later, had refused to actually get up out of bed because he said it wasn't worth it — no one cared, and no one visited. Another time – the most uncomfortable of all — it was praying for a young woman I saw in the hallway. She was sobbing, and was all alone. I passed her once, with the excuse that I didn't want to intrude on her and make her uncomfortable.
But I couldn't leave it at that. The Lord wouldn't let me just walk away on some sort of half cocked excuse.
So I went back. And I tried to discreetly get her attention, to make sure she was okay…..but she didn't hear me. I touched her shoulder, and she kind of jumped, then fell against me, still crying.
Her father had just died. The "code blue" that had blared all over the hospital intercom system had been for the man that was in that room.
And she was waiting in the hall while whoever did whatever they needed to.
I asked if I could pray with her, and she sorta smiled through her tears. And told me that she had been praying for the Lord to comfort her in some way, because she felt alone.
And by then we were both crying. I don't remember what I prayed, but I remember hugging her, and not wanting to leave until I knew she was okay. About that time, her pastor and his wife showed up, and I walked away, still crying. I didn't ask her name — I only know that the Lord used me, as unwilling as I was, to extend His love to one of His children, who was hurting and scared and feeling lost.
I was humbled when I realized that my own selfishness could have left that woman all alone in her grief — and humbled when I realized that the Lord WILL give us the strength to do uncomfortable things for His glory.
Really, thank you for sharing this. It was an immense encouragement to read!!
This is so precious, Victoria. Such a blessing to you and that sweet lady that you listened to His prompting. Thank you for sharing!
It is no coincidence that I read this post during our share-a-thon (www.fbnradio.com). I had a similar situation happen while answering phones. I love talking to people and encouraging them, but praying aloud is a different matter! Twice in one week, I felt God prompting me to pray with people, a lady and a man. The first time, I was about to had my mom the phone, but she got a call and I had to do it. I was terrified! But God helped me, and I hope it encouraged her;)
Thank you for this post! Never stop following the prompting of the Holy Spirit!