[I didn’t know, back in March that these posts would become an occasional series, but they have. You may find the earlier ones here:
Strung out on Prayer
Strung out on Prayer, Part Two
Strung out on Prayer, Part Three]
Encouragement to Go: Spirit or Impulse?
“I need to make some beads for Charity,” I blurted to my husband. My words surprised me as if they were executing a long-plotted escape from my lips.
“Sure,” he smiled. We were traveling, celebrating our anniversary. He smiles persistently when we travel.
A few days later I chatted with my friend Duane. We were discussing photos for a blog post he’d asked me to write for BibleDude.net and I offered to send him a shot of my prayer beads.
The next thing I knew, my fingers were typing in the little chat box: “I’ll make you a strand, Duane. What are your favorite colors?”
I sat and watched as my fingers formed the words. Hmm.
A few days later I prowled the selection in my favorite bead shop, choosing beads for two third millennium friends.
And a few days after that, I tucked two small strands of beads into tissue paper, slid the packets into envelopes, and sent them off towards the Midwest.
My parcels have now been delivered. I received sweet little notes from Charity and Duane, who are each facing a season of special challenges.
I’m wondering: was that the Spirit leading me to offer these small gifts? Or did I act on an earthly impulse?
I’d like to think it was the Holy Spirit.
I’d like to think that my heart is so finely tuned to God’s will that when He puts something on my heart, I act immediately, always ready to obey.
I’d like to think that I’m completely surrendered to Him.
Some days, my pride insists that I am wholly given over to my King.
But I know myself better than that.
I’m glad my friends liked their beads. And I’m so, so grateful that I always have room to grow more faithful to God.
9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; 11 having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:9-11(NASB)
Mmm hmm! Matthew 25:23, Sister!
🙂 Brandee!
To me I call these urges, prompting of the Holy Spirit. Your acts of kindness will continue to bless those who received your precious gift. You are a gift to the body of Christ!!!
Sheila – This was a great post. And yes, I think that's the Spirit leading. I love that each bead is strung with prayer. What a perfect gift for whatever a person is facing. I love my beads!
Charity, I'm so glad you like them.
Hazel and Charity, thanks for granting me the benefit of the doubt 🙂
Sheila … You have been blessed to be a blessing. And that's exactly what you did: You blessed.
I am inspired by the way you responded to the Spirit's prompting.
Jennifer,
And see? You just blessed me!
Bless you!
I hope too, that I am totally surrendered to Christ, tuned into the prompting of the Holy Spirit's voice. Good post!
Bryan,
Me too. Thanks!
I was reading about being fully surrendered to Christ, and I sighed. One moment, I offer myself; next moment, I'm living my own life. Surrender is not a daily thing–it's moment by moment; forgetting, remembering. The Israelites seem to have lived a similar pattern, on and off, surrendered and trusting and dependent; then ignoring God altogether, forgetting Him and worshipping other gods.
I sigh with you, Ann.
I long to be fully surrendered, but I fear I won't be until the day I meet Him.
You can see my full comment on my facebook page. 🙂
Thanks.
From the bottom of my heart.
My comment poofed.
Anyway, I was just going to tell you that you could read my full comment on my facebook page where I linked up.
Thanks for being such a great friend.
Back Atcha, Duane!