God speaks to us in many different ways. The way He speaks to one person might be completely different from the way He speaks to someone else. Whether He speaks through prayer, scripture, visions, dreams, signs, or even feelings- it will be in a unique way, specific to that person. He knows the way we operate… I mean He created us in the first place to be the way we are. So it is pretty safe to say that He knows exactly what will make sense and get our attention. We just have to be willing to listen.
Being on this race, I’ve learned that one of the ways God speaks to me is through people: a random person on the street, a sick patient at the hospital, a ministry contact, a squad mate, a family member, or even a friend back home… He can use ANYONE at ANY TIME to speak to me and bring His truth to light.
I was pondering this the other day on our beautiful wrap around porch at the mission house I currently call home here in Uganda- and it hit me.
If God can use people to speak encouragement and truth to me- then I’m sure that there are times He uses me to speak to others.
This seems like it would be a simple concept… but I guess I never realized the full importance of why I’m even on this race until now.
I started thinking about the past eight months. The majority of my team’s ministry assignments, especially here in Africa, have involved some type of community outreach or evangelism. A typical day looks like getting up early, putting on a long skirt, and walking around the village we’re staying in to share the love of Jesus with the people we come into contact with. We visit homes, schools, hospitals, clinics, and even local businesses. We may even spark up a conversation with someone we meet on the side of the road.
Each day looks a little different…I might be teaching someone about who Jesus Christ is, sharing my testimony or an encouraging word from the Bible, or simply praying for a specific need. However, regardless of what happens- one thing is for sure- God is using ME to speak His truth into their lives.
This is when I started thinking about the days when it was extremely hard to wake up early and have the motivation or energy to go out and share the Gospel. I remembered days when I was simply “too tired” to be fully engaged. I remembered the days when I didn’t speak up, because I was scared of not having the right words… or what people might think.
I felt a slight tugging on my heart. The Holy Spirit was gently convicting me of all the times that I was operating out of my own strength… of all the times that I was lazy and ignored what He was urging me to speak to others. I realized that in those times of disobedience, I wasn’t just affecting myself; I was affecting the people around me.
I’m learning that nothing is by chance… that before God even created this Universe, He orchestrated my path to cross with the many people I meet day in and day out… and whether I always truly believe it or not, He IS using me to speak His good news and truth to anyone and everyone I come into contact with.
I’m learning the importance of becoming obedient to His soft inner voice within my soul. I no longer want to walk in disobedience. I no longer want to submit to my selfish fleshly desires.
It is written that obedience is better than sacrifice. And I want to learn to walk in complete obedience to His Will… not only for the rest of this race… but for the rest of my life!
My encouragement to whoever is reading this blog- is to try and listen for that soft whisper. That gut feeling. If you feel led to encourage someone, or even pray for someone in a time of need- don’t hold back out of fear of what they might think…. Because you never know when God is using you to speak His TRUTH into someone’s life. Your message of hope might just be the answer to their prayers 🙂
Praying with this woman who has a bad case of Malaria
Leading worship at an all boys' boarding school
Morning devotionals with these little ones are so inspiring
Had the opportunity to share some of my testimony and some encouraging words about second chances with these women inmates at the local jail
My view walking the street for ministry
Meet Jessy. He was abandoned 8 months ago by his mom. She left him outside a small family owned business. The family now takes care of him. He ran up to me with the biggest smile, and cried when I had to say goodbye. A piece of my heart was broken that morning.
