I am a perfectionist when it comes to certain areas of my life. Sometimes I demand too much and feel frustration when I fall short of the standards I have set for myself. I am often my own worst critic, and it's that little voice in my head that sometimes brings on feelings of inadequacy.
Long ago, I knew that I was not cut out to have an immaculate house, especially when I was raising young children. I cringed at the lack of time spent in prayer and Bible reading, when I let life get in the way. I would regularly compare myself to women who seemed more polished and fashionable and feel I came up short.
It has taken years of growing in maturity to realize that in spite of my shortcomings, God can use these very imperfections and failings for good. Perhaps my slightly messy house has made someone feel more comfortable in my home. Perhaps when I haven't felt overly polished, someone was more at ease in my presence. My numerous mistakes as a wife and mother have brought me great wisdom that I have often used to encourage others.
Just the other day, I was being overly critical when rereading my book The Thankful Principle. I should have phrased something differently here or included a
certain detail there. I was mentally beating myself up over small things. However, I realized that it doesn't have to be perfect
to change lives. God often uses imperfect things to fulfill his
purpose.
I am grateful that God turns these negative situations and the imperfections in my life into something beautiful. Every day, I want to be more like him.
2 Samuel 22:31
“As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him."
Friday, March 14, 2014
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Salvaging Valentine's Day
When I was a young wife, I was out at the mall with my visiting parents. I was about to spontaneously buy a flower for my husband, when my dad suggested that my motivation in doing so was because I wanted my husband to buy flowers for me. He was right, but I didn't realize that was my motive, until he pointed it out to me. My father is a former Air Force chaplain, and he once shared a story of a beautiful woman who came into his office for counseling. She complained that her husband never complimented her good looks, and she added, "I always tell him how nice he looks when he gets dressed up."
My dad commented, "Let me guess. When your husband gets dressed up, he calls it a monkey suit."
She said, "Well, yes he does."
Dad continued, "So when you tell him how nice he looks, you're telling him that he looks like a monkey. You need to find a way to compliment your husband in a way that makes him feel more like a man."
Together they discussed her husband's skills as a mechanic, and she was encouraged to go home and tell him about how much she appreciated the fact that he always kept their cars running well and what a good job he did. The following week, the woman waltzed back into my father's office and exclaimed, "He told me I was pretty!"
I have often thought about this simple advice of honoring others in a manner that they can receive. When I had been married for several years and had a young family, another young mother in her 30s called me on the morning of Valentine's Day. She was fuming mad and in tears. She went on to tell me about the fact that she had presented her husband with a card and a cute teddy bear, and he didn't have anything for her that morning. (He probably planned to pick something up on the way home from work that day.) Immediately, I thought about my flower story and quickly thought about how I could help diffuse the situation.
Knowing her personality, I knew she could easily stew all day, and even if her husband did bring home a gift, she might fling it back at him in anger. I told her the flower story and the story of the mechanic's wife. I let her know that a teddy bear was probably not something her husband would desire as a gift, but she was giving him what she might have wanted. I told her, "You have two choices: You can feel sorry for yourself all day and be in a bad mood when your husband gets home from work and your two boys get home from school, or you can do something positive."
I gave her a positive plan for the day. I suggested that she take a nice bath, pamper herself, put on a nice outfit, and do her hair and make-up. I gave her permission to do whatever she wanted to do that made her feel good about herself. Next, I told her to plan a nice dinner that day as a surprise for her family. I told her to make a big deal about it and show her family how much she loves them. I said, "Get out your best dishes, a tablecloth, and candles." I knew that if she put her energy to use in a positive direction, she would really bless her family and feel better, too.
The next day she called and excitedly told me, "Your plan worked!" She went on to tell me how thrilled her boys were when they got home from school and saw that their mom was making them a special dinner. When her husband got home from work, he presented her with a card and a gift, which she happily received.
Valentine's Day is a difficult holiday for many, whether single or married. If you find it depressing because you are alone or not in a relationship, find someone else in a similar situation who could also use some love and encouragement. Get a group of friends together to do something fun, make a big deal out of the day with the children in your life, and focus on loving acts of kindness. My children are now adults, and they still look forward to Mom's heart-shaped waffles, topped with strawberries and whipped cream. When they were little, I might have even added some cheap Valentine's decorations to the festivities. As they grew older, we would have a family gourmet dinner, and they would have the fun of trying new things and eating off of the good china by candlelight.
My husband and I decided years ago that romantic events, like Valentine's Day and our wedding anniversary were sometimes stressful because he couldn't read my mind. He wisely began asking me about my expectations just prior to the event. Being a practical person and not wanting to break the budget, sometimes I request something as simple as him making me a gourmet dinner at home, watching a movie together, or a simple lunch date. I appreciate his thoughtfulness in honoring me in this way, and it has saved a few tears.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (I Corinthians 13:4-7)
Happy Valentine's Day!
My dad commented, "Let me guess. When your husband gets dressed up, he calls it a monkey suit."
She said, "Well, yes he does."
Dad continued, "So when you tell him how nice he looks, you're telling him that he looks like a monkey. You need to find a way to compliment your husband in a way that makes him feel more like a man."
Together they discussed her husband's skills as a mechanic, and she was encouraged to go home and tell him about how much she appreciated the fact that he always kept their cars running well and what a good job he did. The following week, the woman waltzed back into my father's office and exclaimed, "He told me I was pretty!"
I have often thought about this simple advice of honoring others in a manner that they can receive. When I had been married for several years and had a young family, another young mother in her 30s called me on the morning of Valentine's Day. She was fuming mad and in tears. She went on to tell me about the fact that she had presented her husband with a card and a cute teddy bear, and he didn't have anything for her that morning. (He probably planned to pick something up on the way home from work that day.) Immediately, I thought about my flower story and quickly thought about how I could help diffuse the situation.
Knowing her personality, I knew she could easily stew all day, and even if her husband did bring home a gift, she might fling it back at him in anger. I told her the flower story and the story of the mechanic's wife. I let her know that a teddy bear was probably not something her husband would desire as a gift, but she was giving him what she might have wanted. I told her, "You have two choices: You can feel sorry for yourself all day and be in a bad mood when your husband gets home from work and your two boys get home from school, or you can do something positive."
I gave her a positive plan for the day. I suggested that she take a nice bath, pamper herself, put on a nice outfit, and do her hair and make-up. I gave her permission to do whatever she wanted to do that made her feel good about herself. Next, I told her to plan a nice dinner that day as a surprise for her family. I told her to make a big deal about it and show her family how much she loves them. I said, "Get out your best dishes, a tablecloth, and candles." I knew that if she put her energy to use in a positive direction, she would really bless her family and feel better, too.
The next day she called and excitedly told me, "Your plan worked!" She went on to tell me how thrilled her boys were when they got home from school and saw that their mom was making them a special dinner. When her husband got home from work, he presented her with a card and a gift, which she happily received.
Valentine's Day is a difficult holiday for many, whether single or married. If you find it depressing because you are alone or not in a relationship, find someone else in a similar situation who could also use some love and encouragement. Get a group of friends together to do something fun, make a big deal out of the day with the children in your life, and focus on loving acts of kindness. My children are now adults, and they still look forward to Mom's heart-shaped waffles, topped with strawberries and whipped cream. When they were little, I might have even added some cheap Valentine's decorations to the festivities. As they grew older, we would have a family gourmet dinner, and they would have the fun of trying new things and eating off of the good china by candlelight.
My husband and I decided years ago that romantic events, like Valentine's Day and our wedding anniversary were sometimes stressful because he couldn't read my mind. He wisely began asking me about my expectations just prior to the event. Being a practical person and not wanting to break the budget, sometimes I request something as simple as him making me a gourmet dinner at home, watching a movie together, or a simple lunch date. I appreciate his thoughtfulness in honoring me in this way, and it has saved a few tears.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (I Corinthians 13:4-7)
Happy Valentine's Day!
Friday, January 10, 2014
New Mountains to Climb
I am the type of person who enjoys a good challenge...sometimes. Perhaps it is because certain things come easy to me. Often I delight in the personal satisfaction and feeling of accomplishment that follows when I tackle something that isn't quite a piece of cake. However, in reality, challenges can be more frustrating than I would like to admit, and it would be much easier to stay within my comfort zone, rather than deal with a challenging situation.
When I interviewed in 1985 for what would later end up being my first teaching job, I thought I had wasted my time in driving 240 miles round trip for the interview. Essentially, it was a one-room school house at a small Baptist church in Missouri. I could not imagine myself teaching multiple grades in a single classroom, but when they offered the job to me, the Lord led me to accept the position. I taught grades K-6, 8th, and 10th (9 different levels) in a school of around 20 students. Although I did have parent volunteers in my classroom, I was constantly juggling my duties and trying to make sure I met the needs of my students. It wasn't easy, but it was obvious that God had placed me there. I stayed for two years. Looking back, I'm not even sure how I managed to do it, and it makes me dizzy just thinking about everything that the job required. Frequently, I prayed and cried out to God. Sometimes, I communicated with God through my musical compositions.
"Lord, you've searched my heart.
You know every part.
You know me so well.
You know me.
When I feel ashamed,
Lord, you lay no blame.
You love me so well.
You love me.
And it's such a mystery.
What do you see in me?
There must be something
That I can do for you.
Use me. Lord, please use me.
And through me, may others know you, too.
Lord, you know I want to be used by you."
--a portion of the lyrics from "Use Me" (copyright 1985 by Marcia Day Brown)
Currently, as I am looking at my responsibilities coming up in my new position as a center director for a mathematics learning center, I feel overwhelmed at times when I realize how much I need to learn to perform my duties successfully. Panic can easily set in and bring worry and stress. However, when I remember what God has helped me to accomplish in the past, I know he will guide and direct me in my present situation. I need not be anxious about anything, and when I do begin to feel stressed, I only need to remind myself of Philippians 4:6: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (NIV)
It's comforting to know that my heavenly father does not want me to worry. He wants me to come to him with each and every need. Big or small--it doesn't matter. He cares about meeting each need, if I am willing to ask.
When I interviewed in 1985 for what would later end up being my first teaching job, I thought I had wasted my time in driving 240 miles round trip for the interview. Essentially, it was a one-room school house at a small Baptist church in Missouri. I could not imagine myself teaching multiple grades in a single classroom, but when they offered the job to me, the Lord led me to accept the position. I taught grades K-6, 8th, and 10th (9 different levels) in a school of around 20 students. Although I did have parent volunteers in my classroom, I was constantly juggling my duties and trying to make sure I met the needs of my students. It wasn't easy, but it was obvious that God had placed me there. I stayed for two years. Looking back, I'm not even sure how I managed to do it, and it makes me dizzy just thinking about everything that the job required. Frequently, I prayed and cried out to God. Sometimes, I communicated with God through my musical compositions.
"Lord, you've searched my heart.
You know every part.
You know me so well.
You know me.
When I feel ashamed,
Lord, you lay no blame.
You love me so well.
You love me.
And it's such a mystery.
What do you see in me?
There must be something
That I can do for you.
Use me. Lord, please use me.
And through me, may others know you, too.
Lord, you know I want to be used by you."
--a portion of the lyrics from "Use Me" (copyright 1985 by Marcia Day Brown)
Currently, as I am looking at my responsibilities coming up in my new position as a center director for a mathematics learning center, I feel overwhelmed at times when I realize how much I need to learn to perform my duties successfully. Panic can easily set in and bring worry and stress. However, when I remember what God has helped me to accomplish in the past, I know he will guide and direct me in my present situation. I need not be anxious about anything, and when I do begin to feel stressed, I only need to remind myself of Philippians 4:6: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (NIV)
It's comforting to know that my heavenly father does not want me to worry. He wants me to come to him with each and every need. Big or small--it doesn't matter. He cares about meeting each need, if I am willing to ask.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
God's Plans May Surprise You
When we assume we know how God may meet a need, we are often wrong. This year has been a prime example. I was told in March that my hours were going to be dramatically cut at the community college where I have taught developmental mathematics for nearly eighteen years. I would be getting less than half of my normal hours.
While others panicked, I wasn't initially worried at all. I just "knew" God must have plans for me to teach full-time in a public or private school setting. After all, I had just renewed my teaching license last year. It had been expired for over a decade, and I had finally figured out that I should have it renewed just in case I needed it someday. That someday was coming sooner than I thought, and I was practically congratulating myself on renewing my license just in time. I was just sure that God had laid it on my heart to renew my license for such a time as this.
Over the spring and summer months, I spent countless hours jumping through the hoops of applying for dozens of teaching jobs. I took personality tests, submitted a variety of documents, filled in hundreds of blanks. I just "knew" I would be an ideal candidate, since I would be a cheap hire with lots of experience. With only one year of public school teaching experience, I could give them my over twenty years of teaching background for the salary of a second year teacher. What a bargain! But God had other plans.
At the beginning of the summer school session, I "knew" God was going to give me a summer class, even though my original class had been cancelled due to low enrollment. After all, I had taught 52 consecutive semesters at the college, and my daughter was planning to be married in July and funds were needed. But God had other plans.
When we moved in 1999 and bought another house, God orchestrated the sale of our other house just in time to avoid double house payments. I "knew" God would do the same when we moved about two years later. But God had other plans.
In fact, I questioned God about that when we began having to make double house payments. I prayed, "God, why isn't our house selling?" He replied, "I'm building your character." That was not the answer that I wanted to hear, especially since I had made the point of specifically not asking God for patience. Thankfully, it only lasted a couple of months, and we never missed a payment.
Many times when God has other plans, I see his hand in the situation so clearly AFTER his plan is finally revealed. Although I didn't get a full-time teaching job in the fall, I did obey God in the writing of my book, The Thankful Principle: A Journey into Thankful Living. Six days after I finished writing my book, I received an unexpected e-mail from someone who spotted my resume on a recruiting site and asked if I would like to apply to be the center director for a new math learning center. The job seemed tailor-made for me, and within a few weeks, I was hired. Many of my past work experiences have developed skills that will be needed and useful in this new challenge and opportunity.
And even though I did not end up with a summer class, God knew that I needed a summer off from teaching after 18 years. Not only that, but he provided a consulting project that covered the costs of what my husband and I spent on our daughter's wedding.
God is continually building my character, and I am working on being more thankful and accepting of letting his plan unfold, instead of rushing toward what I assume is God's plan. His plans always have our best interests at heart.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”declares the Lord.“ As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9, NIV)
While others panicked, I wasn't initially worried at all. I just "knew" God must have plans for me to teach full-time in a public or private school setting. After all, I had just renewed my teaching license last year. It had been expired for over a decade, and I had finally figured out that I should have it renewed just in case I needed it someday. That someday was coming sooner than I thought, and I was practically congratulating myself on renewing my license just in time. I was just sure that God had laid it on my heart to renew my license for such a time as this.
Over the spring and summer months, I spent countless hours jumping through the hoops of applying for dozens of teaching jobs. I took personality tests, submitted a variety of documents, filled in hundreds of blanks. I just "knew" I would be an ideal candidate, since I would be a cheap hire with lots of experience. With only one year of public school teaching experience, I could give them my over twenty years of teaching background for the salary of a second year teacher. What a bargain! But God had other plans.
At the beginning of the summer school session, I "knew" God was going to give me a summer class, even though my original class had been cancelled due to low enrollment. After all, I had taught 52 consecutive semesters at the college, and my daughter was planning to be married in July and funds were needed. But God had other plans.
When we moved in 1999 and bought another house, God orchestrated the sale of our other house just in time to avoid double house payments. I "knew" God would do the same when we moved about two years later. But God had other plans.
In fact, I questioned God about that when we began having to make double house payments. I prayed, "God, why isn't our house selling?" He replied, "I'm building your character." That was not the answer that I wanted to hear, especially since I had made the point of specifically not asking God for patience. Thankfully, it only lasted a couple of months, and we never missed a payment.
Many times when God has other plans, I see his hand in the situation so clearly AFTER his plan is finally revealed. Although I didn't get a full-time teaching job in the fall, I did obey God in the writing of my book, The Thankful Principle: A Journey into Thankful Living. Six days after I finished writing my book, I received an unexpected e-mail from someone who spotted my resume on a recruiting site and asked if I would like to apply to be the center director for a new math learning center. The job seemed tailor-made for me, and within a few weeks, I was hired. Many of my past work experiences have developed skills that will be needed and useful in this new challenge and opportunity.
And even though I did not end up with a summer class, God knew that I needed a summer off from teaching after 18 years. Not only that, but he provided a consulting project that covered the costs of what my husband and I spent on our daughter's wedding.
God is continually building my character, and I am working on being more thankful and accepting of letting his plan unfold, instead of rushing toward what I assume is God's plan. His plans always have our best interests at heart.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”declares the Lord.“ As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9, NIV)
Monday, December 16, 2013
News on the Kindle Edition of The Thankful Principle
The Kindle edition of The Thankful Principle: A Journey into Thankful Living is now available. Stay tuned for news of the print edition. Just copy and paste the link below:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HC0QCAI/ref=rdr_kindle_ext_tmb
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HC0QCAI/ref=rdr_kindle_ext_tmb
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
The Gift of Encouragement
Did you know that encouragement is a gift? Just the other day, I almost missed out on being a blessing and receiving a blessing, simply because I didn't feel like getting out on potentially icy and snowy roads. It would have been much easier to stay home and relax, rather than attend an optional training session for teachers at the college where I work.
After dropping my nephew off at work, I realized that the roads were in pretty good shape. I felt a prompting in my heart that I should go, and I had just enough time to change into presentable clothing and dash off to the event. When I got there, I sat with several colleagues and excitedly showed them the cover design for my book The Thankful Principle that was beautifully created by my friend Tracy.
The women were all interested in hearing more about the book, so I gladly shared details about The Thankful Principle and the impact that Philippians 4:6-7 has had on my life. All four women were receptive to my testimony and commented that they were excited about the book and would like to read it when it becomes available. We had a great time of sharing that morning over breakfast, as we waited for the training to begin.
As the uplifting conversations continued through our lunch break, I learned things about each of the women that revealed to me God's plan to encourage them that very day. I realized that by sharing the Thankful Principle with them, I had spiritually equipped them to fight their daily battles. Whether they were dealing with health issues, a divorce, a grown son recovering from the devastating effects of a stroke, a challenging teenage child, or some other personal concern, practicing thankfulness to God would empower them to deal with the issues that were consuming them and help them to experience God's peace in their lives.
All day long, I kept thinking to myself how wonderful our time together had been. I marveled at the fact that I had almost missed it. I wondered about how many other times I have missed out on giving or receiving a blessing because I took the easier route. Only God knows, but I am seeing that when I am obedient to his prompting, I am more in tune with what God would have me to do the next time.
Isn't it wonderful that when we make the extra effort, God gives us opportunities to bless others and to receive a blessing? I love it when that happens.
After dropping my nephew off at work, I realized that the roads were in pretty good shape. I felt a prompting in my heart that I should go, and I had just enough time to change into presentable clothing and dash off to the event. When I got there, I sat with several colleagues and excitedly showed them the cover design for my book The Thankful Principle that was beautifully created by my friend Tracy.
The women were all interested in hearing more about the book, so I gladly shared details about The Thankful Principle and the impact that Philippians 4:6-7 has had on my life. All four women were receptive to my testimony and commented that they were excited about the book and would like to read it when it becomes available. We had a great time of sharing that morning over breakfast, as we waited for the training to begin.
As the uplifting conversations continued through our lunch break, I learned things about each of the women that revealed to me God's plan to encourage them that very day. I realized that by sharing the Thankful Principle with them, I had spiritually equipped them to fight their daily battles. Whether they were dealing with health issues, a divorce, a grown son recovering from the devastating effects of a stroke, a challenging teenage child, or some other personal concern, practicing thankfulness to God would empower them to deal with the issues that were consuming them and help them to experience God's peace in their lives.
All day long, I kept thinking to myself how wonderful our time together had been. I marveled at the fact that I had almost missed it. I wondered about how many other times I have missed out on giving or receiving a blessing because I took the easier route. Only God knows, but I am seeing that when I am obedient to his prompting, I am more in tune with what God would have me to do the next time.
Isn't it wonderful that when we make the extra effort, God gives us opportunities to bless others and to receive a blessing? I love it when that happens.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Getting Out of My Comfort Zone
Many times in my Christian walk, God has placed me outside of my comfort zone. He does this to bring spiritual growth and to use me in ways that are greater than I could ever imagine. Whether it be a prompting to offer to pray for someone or to take on a new responsibility, I am often challenged to obey and trust God in each instance. Sometimes I feel as though I am going out on a limb, but God does not let me fall, if I am walking in obedience to him.
Just the other day, I was speaking to a friend about a recent offer to pray for someone's healing. A woman I knew seemed to be experiencing a serious medical issue right in front of me, and only one other person was in the room with us. She sat very still, as she began to perspire. Her face turned beet red, and her heart was racing. I felt very helpless and questioned whether we should seek medical assistance. The only other option I had was to pray for her. Because I wasn't sure if she was a believer or how she would react to my offer to pray, I hesitated for a moment. Would it be awkward or embarrassing, if she refused? Would she think I was some religious nut?
However, I realized that God wanted me to offer to pray, and so I did. She nodded her head in agreement when I asked, and I prayed out loud for God to heal her in the name of Jesus and for her body to line up with the Word of God. As I was praying, I felt a warmth and knew that God was working in her situation. I commented, "I don't know exactly what happened, but I believe God is doing something in you." Fifteen days later, I saw her again, and she excitedly shared the details of a miraculous healing. After months of suffering from a variety of medical problems, her CAT scan had come back completely normal. In addition, she had experienced none of the troubling symptoms since the night we had prayed together. I rejoiced with her and was thankful that I did not give in to my initial reluctance to pray.
I was nearly 20 when God first told me to minister to someone for healing. At the time, I was attending a bible study with some girls in my dorm at Evangel University. One of the girls was experiencing terrible back pain from muscle spasms, and someone prayed a prayer over her that seemed hollow and empty. She had meant well, but it came across like she was throwing up a prayer that she didn't expect to be answered: "Lord, please touch her, if you've got the time." I thought to myself, "We aren't ministering to her."
When the bible study was over, we were having a time of silent prayer, and God spoke to me, "Marcia, I want you to minister to Bev's back." I tried to argue with God and tell him that I wasn't a minister. My dad was a minister, and my brother was going to be a minister. How could God ask me to minister to someone? Finally, God gently and firmly told me, "Marcia, if you'll minister to Bev's back, I'll heal her."
How could I continue to refuse? If I didn't obey God's prompting, then it would be my fault that my friend was continuing to be in pain. Nervously, I asked Bev how her back was feeling, while inwardly I prayed, "Please say that you were miraculously healed from the earlier prayer."
Instead, she replied, "It's still hurting." I gulped and launched into telling her that although I had never done anything quite like this before, I had seen my dad minister to people with back pain, and I wanted to offer to minister to her back. I prayed for her and commanded her back to be healed in the name of Jesus. When she sat down in a chair, we could see that her hips were out of alignment and one leg was about a half-inch shorter than the other leg. As the other girls in the room and I prayed, everyone saw a miracle, as the shorter leg lengthened. Afterwards, Bev reported that all the pain was gone. She began jumping up and down, and everyone else did also, as we praised God.
Sometimes when I share stories of obedience and answered prayer, others assume that it always comes easy to me, but they would never feel comfortable doing such a thing themselves. They hear the victory at the end at the end of my story, but they don't realize the tendency I have to drag my feet until I can no longer ignore the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Others tell me that they do not know how to hear God's voice. Listening takes practice. When a thought comes to you that does not seem to be coming from you, test it against scripture. Does it line up with the Word of God? Does it ring true in your heart? If so, then you are probably hearing from God.
"Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him." (Psalm 128:1, NIV)
Just the other day, I was speaking to a friend about a recent offer to pray for someone's healing. A woman I knew seemed to be experiencing a serious medical issue right in front of me, and only one other person was in the room with us. She sat very still, as she began to perspire. Her face turned beet red, and her heart was racing. I felt very helpless and questioned whether we should seek medical assistance. The only other option I had was to pray for her. Because I wasn't sure if she was a believer or how she would react to my offer to pray, I hesitated for a moment. Would it be awkward or embarrassing, if she refused? Would she think I was some religious nut?
However, I realized that God wanted me to offer to pray, and so I did. She nodded her head in agreement when I asked, and I prayed out loud for God to heal her in the name of Jesus and for her body to line up with the Word of God. As I was praying, I felt a warmth and knew that God was working in her situation. I commented, "I don't know exactly what happened, but I believe God is doing something in you." Fifteen days later, I saw her again, and she excitedly shared the details of a miraculous healing. After months of suffering from a variety of medical problems, her CAT scan had come back completely normal. In addition, she had experienced none of the troubling symptoms since the night we had prayed together. I rejoiced with her and was thankful that I did not give in to my initial reluctance to pray.
I was nearly 20 when God first told me to minister to someone for healing. At the time, I was attending a bible study with some girls in my dorm at Evangel University. One of the girls was experiencing terrible back pain from muscle spasms, and someone prayed a prayer over her that seemed hollow and empty. She had meant well, but it came across like she was throwing up a prayer that she didn't expect to be answered: "Lord, please touch her, if you've got the time." I thought to myself, "We aren't ministering to her."
When the bible study was over, we were having a time of silent prayer, and God spoke to me, "Marcia, I want you to minister to Bev's back." I tried to argue with God and tell him that I wasn't a minister. My dad was a minister, and my brother was going to be a minister. How could God ask me to minister to someone? Finally, God gently and firmly told me, "Marcia, if you'll minister to Bev's back, I'll heal her."
How could I continue to refuse? If I didn't obey God's prompting, then it would be my fault that my friend was continuing to be in pain. Nervously, I asked Bev how her back was feeling, while inwardly I prayed, "Please say that you were miraculously healed from the earlier prayer."
Instead, she replied, "It's still hurting." I gulped and launched into telling her that although I had never done anything quite like this before, I had seen my dad minister to people with back pain, and I wanted to offer to minister to her back. I prayed for her and commanded her back to be healed in the name of Jesus. When she sat down in a chair, we could see that her hips were out of alignment and one leg was about a half-inch shorter than the other leg. As the other girls in the room and I prayed, everyone saw a miracle, as the shorter leg lengthened. Afterwards, Bev reported that all the pain was gone. She began jumping up and down, and everyone else did also, as we praised God.
Sometimes when I share stories of obedience and answered prayer, others assume that it always comes easy to me, but they would never feel comfortable doing such a thing themselves. They hear the victory at the end at the end of my story, but they don't realize the tendency I have to drag my feet until I can no longer ignore the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Others tell me that they do not know how to hear God's voice. Listening takes practice. When a thought comes to you that does not seem to be coming from you, test it against scripture. Does it line up with the Word of God? Does it ring true in your heart? If so, then you are probably hearing from God.
"Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him." (Psalm 128:1, NIV)
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