Here is a story about a woman with a light purple shirt…
Our session the other night was comprised of an activation. We were split into small groups, asked to pray about where God would take us, and given two hours to follow that. When I was praying, I received a picture of a flower, and a light purple shirt. I told my group about the flower, but discounted the shirt because it felt too specific. I assumed it was a thought from my own mind. My group discussed what we heard, then put it all together into a loose plan. My squadmate Grace said she felt we need to do something with money, and a team leader named Liz prayed and received the location—the night Bazaar, which is a night market down the street. We walked there and felt a lack of direction once we arrived. We went off to the side to pray about who we would meet and where to go, and God quickly led us to some incredibly-intricate flowers carved out of soap (see photo below). We agreed to buy one, choosing a vibrant pink.
We carried it around until Grace mentioned that she had a woman in mind. We ended up eating at the restaurant where she worked, and noticed her demeanor lacked joy. No obvious opportunities arose, so we enjoyed fellowship with one another as we ate our meals. Towards the end, a white couple sat at the table beside us, and immediately I noticed the wife’s light purple tank top. I felt sure in my spirit that I needed to talk to her. After paying, Liz and Grace got to go pray with the woman employee (who spoke no English), seeing her face transform with signs of joy—a smile & laugh they described as “so cute!”
Meanwhile, I sat with the couple, introduced myself, and gave the woman the soap flower. I told her, “I don’t know you, but earlier I was told I would meet you, and to buy this for you. I have a feeling that you deserve it, and I just want you to know that you are very loved.” The woman kindly accepted the gift, thanked me, and became curious about my purpose in Thailand. I learned that her and her husband are on vacation from Scotland. I was able to briefly share with them about why I’m here, and what I am doing next. The woman mentioned that her mother was a missionary. After wishing them a nice trip, I said goodbye and told Liz and Grace about how it went.
It is so fulfilling to listen to the holy spirit, and truly empowering to let it take over and lead you to love those around you. Thinking back, the encounter was quite simple. I remember doubting the words I received during prayer, but Liz encouraged me to go out and try. She said that it won’t do any harm, and fear of failure will keep you from beautiful interactions. How will you know what God has for you if you never step out in faith to find it? God is teaching me how to break past hesitancy and over-thinking, and simply follow His words. By simply surrendering two hours, we made room for God to take over. He lined up every moment perfectly for us to make the connections that we did.
I’ve been reading some of the Gospels lately, and one thing that continually strikes me is how willing the disciples were to follow Jesus. The following is from Mark 1:16-20
“As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 18 At once they left their nets and followed him.19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.”
This passage baffles me. There isn’t much of a dialogue described. Jesus simply said, “follow me…” and without mentioning any hesitation, second-guessing, or questioning, it reads that “AT ONCE” Simon and Andrew followed. Quite similarly, James and John obeyed, leaving behind their lives and all they knew. Sure, the sacrifices are undoubtedly worth the eternal life and friendship of Jesus they later received, but I find this first impression to be so powerful. Simply being approached by Jesus, the Son of God, was enough to immediately surrender and abandon their life work. I think about how long it takes me to decide what to have for dinner, and wonder how I would respond to Jesus’s invitation. That’s the thing, though. Jesus approaches us with the omniscience of His father in Him, knowing our flaws and knowing our sinful human inclinations. Yet, He calls us anyways. And, such a call is one strong enough to quiet the voices of hesitancy, indecision, fear, worry, doubt—replacing them with the truthful and earnest desire for something more. Something more that He is ready and wanting to show us.
Leaving my life in America for nine months was a personal step of abandonment for Christ. Now that He has brought me across the world, I hope to continue letting go and following God’s voice over my life “at once.” I ask Him to light the path for my feet, and direct my energy and time for His will. Loving what it looks like to follow the one who created me.
Thanks again for all the love & support. Until next time,
–Lexi Hatten 🙂
