Trusting God’s Voice
The sound of sobbing was heard by everyone, as her tears flowed uncontrollably. There was no mistaking she was hurting. There was deep pain in the sound of her crying. It broke my heart and I began to pray for whatever it was that she was facing, and then I heard God’s voice say, “Get up and go pray out loud over her.”
Years before, I had heard an account from Beth Moore and of how God had spoken to her clearly and specifically to help an old man at an airport. (Click here) And even though I am an introvert and uncomfortable talking to complete strangers, God’s voice was clear and He was telling me to move from the comfort of my seat.
Trusting God for the words on what to pray, I prayed over her. As I turned to leave for my seat, she looked up at me with tears still dripping from her eyes and said a quiet thank-you! Grateful she was comforted, I sat down – I was relieved it was over. But then I heard God’s voice again speak and say, “Give her your cell number. I want you to make yourself available to her if she wants to reach out.”
“14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me…. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. ” John 10:14, 27
To my surprise, she texted. Through our correspondence, I discovered her story. Patti had spent years in an abusive marriage and felt like there was no hope or way out. Her savings were gone, stolen by the man who had beaten her, and she no longer knew how to go on living. With a purse full of pills, she had planned to take her life, but she decided to stop at the first church along her way because she had heard it was a sin to take her life. So, just in case, she decided to give God a chance to stop her and to prove if He was real, cared and loved her by stopping her. Her sobbing was her expression of deep anguish and pain. That is when she felt my hands upon her shoulder and a voice praying, “Lord, help her to see You are real and that me standing over her now is proof You see her, love and care for her. Her life matters to you so help her Lord with whatever is heavy on her heart!”
The last time we spoke, Patti was getting help and in a much better place. She still sings God’s praises because even though it was my hands and voice, she knew it was truly His voice declaring His love over her. She describes that moment as receiving a hug from God and I am so thankful to have been a part of it.
I hope this encourages you to know and see the truth; there is a God who loves and cares for each and every one of us. I also hope this inspires you to desire to know His voice more clearly and be willing to do what He is speaking to you. From the time I first heard how God speaks to His people to use them to share His love with those around, I have desired to be used by Him. I know firsthand how God is real, loves and cares for me, and if I listen to His voice when He speaks, others will experience it too. So cultivate a heart that listens to His voice, as you never know what sobbing you may hear. God may use you to change someone’s life.
