My mom use to comfort us and cater to us when we
kids got sick. I have memories of her
taking my temperature and asking me if I craved anything specific to eat. She would fix whatever I wanted and it didn’t
take me long to capitalize on her offers; I opted for my favorite
foods, craving or not. These times were special times and Mom delivered my order on a tray for my lap while I recovered because, after all, it was all about me. I still do that with my family. Sometimes the body reveals what food
component it needs by a longing for what is missing in the diet. Or, maybe what you crave is comfort itself! That goes for emotions too. Do you ever need a hug and ask for one? Or, have you thought of someone you miss when,
lo and behold, you get a phone call or email from them?
I’ve been praying about a decision I’ve recently
made with a course of action I am taking.
Mostly, I feel confident as I proceed.
Yesterday, however, I needed encouragement. I stopped and asked the Lord what He thinks
about my progress. I got the bright idea
to petition Him expecting feedback. Guess what?
He delivered!
My morning prayer went something like this: “Am I on the right track? If I’m not, will you correct me with a
Scripture or by someone’s words, etc?
But if “we’re good” on this, can you somehow encourage me? Don’t let me miss your answer! I got in my car, left my home and drove to
another town just over the mountain totally forgetting about my Morning Prayer
time.
God did not forget.
It happened at a stop light later that afternoon. While waiting for the light to change so I
could make a left turn, my eye caught the banner with bold letters, “You Are
Loved.”
That’s for me! I zoomed in with my camera and focused on that banner, a good 80 feet in the distance, and thought to myself: “I’ve got to capture this just in case someone else needs to be encouraged today.” Come evening, I followed through and put the grainy picture on social media with a caption: “Do we ever get tired of hearing we are loved?” Judging by the comments, it seems we all want to be reminded.
Perhaps someone reading this today could use a good word of encouragement. If so, I’ve done my job! Take it! You are loved. For God
so loved the world, He sent His one and only son. John 3:16.
I don't ask Him questions such as "Am I on the right track" . I just ask Him to put me on the right track, show me the right way, help me make the right decision. And yes He does that.
ReplyDeleteOh my, Mary! I strongly suspect our mothers were cut from the same cloth. I've a big old lump in my throat right now, remembering ... but that's a good thing!
ReplyDeleteSomehow I missed seeing this on FB, but I'm encouraged to witness His response. Actually, I need to become more aware, so as not to miss those messages, no matter how unorthodox.
Great post. Thanx. Just visiting from Mevely's blog.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Yes, He loves us with an everlasting love! I am so glad He answers our prayers and oftentimes will use "a sign" or something tangible to show us He is listening. We are a Blessed people! Like you, I often ask Him to point me in the right direction or give me a sign. Sometimes, He will just give me a peace about something. It doesn't always work out the way I hope, but I know He is listening. He is faithful, and I am so glad I belong to His family! Thank you for your visit and your nice comment. I haven't visited in a while and it is lovely to connect again. The Lord bless you, Mary! Hugs, Sandi
ReplyDeleteNot only you reminded me of my past opportunistic way to be pampered when sick whenever my mom would ask what I wanted to eat or drink, you also reminded me how loved I am by our Good God! Thank you! So glad I logged in and I surely didn't want to miss this post! You knew how you were also the apple in His eyes since you boldly asked Him and I wish I could hear your knocking but I think even if they were soft, He opened His door right away! For His answer came quick! And of course, in the most unexpected way! One thing I learned a lot in this journey, whether my plans materialized or not, as long as I commit them all to Him, even those delays, or goals not happening, would never disappoint me anymore. I know with Him, it's always a win-win situations for without Him, we are nothing. But with Him, we can do anything! He always knows what's best for us. How beautiful for you to ask Him if you were on the right track! No doubt! He's the Only One Who knows and Who can fulfill someone's goal to be meaningful and to have purpose!
ReplyDeleteYour encouragement at the end of your post reminded me of this quote from J. Gresham Machen I read yesterday:
"Men loved to be encouraged by false hopes; the world is full of quack remedies for sin."
Love and prayers always sister Mary. Be safe and stay strong in God's mighty power. We are facing evil like we have never seen before. But thanks be to God, we can win this battle because of Him.
What a beautiful reminder.I'm so grateful God's love never fails. And when we mess up, He is there for us. Is that Calvary Chapel in Prescott? It looks like their sign.
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this, sweet friend. I am SO grateful to God for you and your presence in my life.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary,
ReplyDeleteI love the way we are spoken to when we seek the Lord in prayer, it is something that brings us the peace that Jesus says we have in Him, and He is a wonderful comforter and does accompany His Word to us with signs many times.
Oh my goodness! This post is precious and ministered to my heart today dear lady. I love the way the Lord speaks to His children, don't you? Thank you for sharing this. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing blogpost.
ReplyDeleteHappy Resurrection Sunday sister Mary. You're always in my thoughts and prayers. God bless, strengthen, heal, protect and provide for you and your family's needs. Love to you.
ReplyDelete