EnCOURAGEment

Most days I go to the gym on my lunch break but sometimes I run along the river near downtown, where I work. I typically have a workout buddy but this one day I didn't and I felt like God told me to run. So I did. I was jamming out to worship music like I typically would . I ran by this tree that is planted near the river and God said stop at this tree until the song you're listening to is over. I did. I waited thinking something miraculous might happen or God would enlighten me with some great knowledge. It didn't. He didn't. OK....When the song was over I continued on my way and went back to work. Nothing "special" happened immediately from that choice to obey. And please know, I am not always obedient. This doesn't happen to me everyday but it was a simple yet special moment when I was and God used it. He will for you too, friend.

Later that afternoon, I received a text. It was from a woman who used to be one of my best friends but our season ended. Not for any particular reason; we were just great friends and then we weren't. That's all and that's it sometimes. Nonetheless, I had prayed for this friend and for our relationship for over a year, that it might have healing...maybe restoration. In her text, she apologized, asked my forgiveness and told me she cared for me and hoped I was doing well. Wow y'all!

These two events seem unrelated but I am convinced they are. See, while I chose to stand by that tree, I wasn't just standing by a random tree. God asked me to stand by that tree for a specific time and I did. That's obedience. It was about listening to Him and doing what He asked me to do, no matter how crazy, silly, scary or weird it felt. In turn, He opened a door I couldn't open. Sometimes God is waiting on us to take that first step. He's giving us directions, are we listening? Our finite minds think if I stand by a tree, something related to the tree or outdoors has to happen, nothing else, but God works in realms and times we can't possibly comprehend.  He can cause the sun to stand still, walls to fall, the dead to rise, the blind to see, He can harden hearts and He can soften them...even enough to send a friendship healing text on a random Tuesday afternoon. There is nothing He cannot do. The victory is always His but He allows us to reap in the rewards whether earthly or eternal. We have His power within us and it's a shame when we don't have enough courage to use it.

Courage is strength or power to deal with fear. We all have a fear of something but God is the strength of our hearts. Be brave in your obedience. If you feel that nudge, go for it. If you think a kind thought about someone, say it. If you know a helpful truth, share it. If you have a life changing love, give it. And if you hear that still, small voice, follow it. You cannot imagine the amazing things that will happen when you do.