Straight from the Heart

“In the silence of the heart God speaks.” Mother Theresa’s words remind me of a former co-worker who often shared what God “put on her heart.” I remember those words well because I had absolutely no idea what she was talking about.

As a young counselor in a Christian practice, I longed for her deep connection with God, feeling a bit like a phony for not having it all figured out. Why hadn’t God said a single thing to MY heart? Would I even recognize His words if He spoke?

With the passing years, and some incredible Jesus-lovin women guiding my path, I started to get it. I realized that instead of questioning why God wasn’t connecting with me, I needed to find ways to connect with God.

As I began intentionally spending time with God and creating a peaceful space for Him, I was awakened to the power of His presence. His words. And I found that whatever God “puts on our hearts” often includes an opportunity for obedience. An opportunity to do His work.

I recently experienced God’s undeniable nudge toward a struggling woman in my community. Although I barely knew her, I couldn’t shake continual thoughts of her. Since our paths rarely crossed, and it wasn’t a situation where I could just make an awkward phone call, I was at a loss for what to do.

So I prayed.

I prayed for her every day. And I trusted that if I was to do more, God would sort out the details of an encounter.

Many weeks passed and nothing happened; I started to question if I had mistakenly assumed God’s hand was involved.

And then I saw her in the grocery store.

Rather than just saying hello and heading off to the cereal aisle, I took a deep breath and walked over to her. With immediate gratitude for the chance to reach out, I mentioned her place in my prayers… and her eyes filled with tears. She shared that just that morning she had truly reached her breaking point.

Just that morning she needed a word of encouragement.

Just that morning she needed a reminder that she wasn’t alone.

Just that morning she needed to know God had not forgotten her.

Amazed.

What a gift to see the Holy Sprit at work, right there next to the arugula and the pre-cut celery!

So often we question God’s presence and His timing. We dismiss that still, small voice, thinking He couldn’t possibly want to use us in His plan. But we are all needed, and He has the details worked out. Lysa Terkeurst says it well, “Our job is to be obedient to God, God’s job is everything else.”

Our greatest challenge is staying connected (and quiet:) so we can hear what God has to say to our hearts. I would love to hear your strategies and habits for staying close to God. How do you silence the noise and focus on the Holy Spirit stirring within you? Click on the comment bubble and share.

XOXO

For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12