When God says, “Go”… Go!
Grace Andrews of Independence, MO, USA
Don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to find out and do whatever the Lord wants you to…be filled with the Holy Spirit…. -Ephesians 5:17-18 (The Living Bible)
As a hospital chaplain, visiting patients from room to room, I met a woman lying in bed with a bad black eye. In the conversation with her, I asked if she had fallen. Downcast, she said, “I was drunk. I fell ‘big time’ on the stairs.” I indicated I was sorry. She told me someone was coming in the afternoon to help her with her problem. A nurse entered the room so I left, wishing her God’s blessings.
Continuing my rounds, I tried to bring comfort to other patients, but in my mind the words kept coming, “Go back.” I argued with myself, saying, “I’ve already visited her once; others need to have someone visit.” But the Spirit insisted, “Go back.” Finally, a bit frustrated, I said, “Okay, I’ll go back.”
Returning to her room, I sat by her bed and we talked. I learned she had two children and two grandchildren and really wanted to get well. She asked if I would pray for her. I readily agreed as she reached out her hands. Before I could pray, a member of the housekeeping staff entered and closed the door. Acknowledging me, she turned to the patient, saying, “I feel by the Spirit that I’m s’posed to come in here and sing you my song!” I urged her on. First, she shared that earlier in the year her 22-year-old son was shot and killed. The following month her 20-year-old son was also shot and killed. She questioned God, but began to realize God had loaned her those boys. They were God’s before they came to her, and she had loved them dearly. She then sang the song she had written.
I wish I could recall the words, but in essence she sang (hand hitting hip in perfect rhythm) about “a land out there that her two boys were livin’ in. Her father was there. God was there. Jesus was there. And someday she was goin’ to that land to be with her boys and her father, and Almighty God, and there would be joy in that land.” She ended with a glorious smile on her face, hugged us, and left the room. I whispered to the patient, “After that, would you still like a prayer?” She responded, “Absolutely! Please pray for me.” After prayer, I left the room thanking God for prompting me offer a special blessing in a particular moment. I was a recipient along with the patient I intended to comfort.
Always listen! When God prompts you to go-by all means, Go!
Prayer Phrase
In God, I live and move and have my being.
Spiritual Practice
Breathing in the Spaces
When you move into different spaces throughout your day, consciously place yourself in the new setting with a desire to be alert to God’s presence. Over time, simply taking a deliberate breath will remind you that you are in God’s presence and that you want to be alert to God’s purposes in that setting. When entering the different spaces in your day (workplace, a colleague’s office, a restaurant or place of business, school or places where people meet) pause and take a deliberate breath. When returning home, pause to take a breath. As you take a deep breath, breathe in the goodness of the profound presence and purposes of God in each place you find yourself. Allow yourself to be drawn to people who may be blessed in simple ways by you being aware of them as persons of worth. -adapted from missionalleaders.org
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
