It's also been an emotional day as I'm missing my brother. He went to be with the Lord 3 years ago today.
Needless to say, Satan has taken advantage of my vulnerability. I'm well aware of his tactics. Over the past 60 years, I've learned my adversary quite well. But that doesn't make it any easier when my guard is down and my armor on the shelf.
Normally, I'm in a good place. I know all the things to do and usually do them, but sometimes, I fall. I'm only human. It's during those times of weakness I could use a friend and more often than not, God always shows up by prompting one of them to reach out via call, text, or snail mail. Today was one such day.
There are those that don't believe in God's perfect timing, but I do. I can't tell you how many times I've been nudged by the Holy Spirit to send out a card or letter. When those little pushes come, I act. Once again, I've learned over the years, my response is often part of God's blessing to someone else.
I did a spiritual gifts test a long time ago and found out that I have the gifts of mercy, discernment, and encouragement. Those are complicated gifts, especially mercy, but that's a post for another time. Of all three, I'd have to say my favorite is the gift of encouragement. Not only do I have the honor of blessing others, the blessings I put forth always come back to me in one form of another.
A couple of weeks ago, I felt led to reach out to a person I've never met. We connected through the cancer magazine I do freelance writing for and instantly hit it off. Though she lives in one state and I another, we used social media to correspond. Not only is she a breast cancer survivor, too, she's a believer which makes it even more special.
The Holy Spirit must have prompted her to do a little ministry several days ago because today, right when I needed it, a beautiful card came in the mail for me. This sister in Christ had taken time to send me a word of encouragement.
Now I'm not used to being the recipient! I'm always the sender, so that's taken some getting used to, but I like it.
As I read her note, I smiled. It was brief but filled with love. Not only did she include kind words, she also slipped in one of my favorite scripture verses, Romans 8:28 "We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love Him."
When I'd finished reading the card, I thanked God for this timely little blessing. That's when I noticed, on the back of the card she'd written Ps. 121 over her address label. How perfect! Another of my favs!
God knew I was going to need that card and those specific verses today. If my friend hadn't listened to the Holy Spirit, I would've missed the much needed encouragement.
Isn't it wonderful how our Heavenly Father loves us so much? He cares about every tiny detail of our lives. That's why it's so important that we pay heed to the Holy Spirit. We are the hands and feet of Jesus. We can do the little things that help remind others of His great love. What an honor!
"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so
that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness." Hebrews 3:13
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