Heaven Sent Sentiments

“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him” John 6:44

Several days ago, I was remembering a conversation I had with a friend of mine. She was asking me how I could believe and trust in God with all of the hardships that I had experienced over the years.

She went on to explain to me how she had a similar background to mine and couldn’t seem to let go of the pain and grief she was feeling.

Ohhh, how I could relate and my heart went out to her. I know the suffering that loss can bring and the bondage it can carry.

Immediately I knew God was at work in her heart. In the bible, it says, “But keep the Lord Christ holy in your hearts. Always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have” 1 Peter 3:15.

Jesus, upon surrendering my life and heart to Him, turned the bondage of anger, depression, and sadness I was carrying into the love, hope, and joy that ONLY He can do!! I’ve got to share His Good News with everyone!

Upon this realization, that God was at work in her heart, I immediately prayed to the Lord for His wisdom and guidance and listened in two ways: first, to what my friend was sharing. I didn’t listen with the intent to only reply, I truly heard what she was saying. Second, I listened for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and trusted that He would give me the words to share at just the right moment.

There is NO coincidence to these moments–they are God-ordained. I believe God can use each one of us to answer a prayer that has been lifted up by someone in that person’s life.

It could be an aunt, uncle, grandparent, mom–or even that very person that you are talking to–who is seeking Jesus and the relationship that leads to God and eternal life.

This is where God uses all of our sufferings, pain, and heartache for His Glory. He is the only one that can do that. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” Romans 8:28 NIV.

In that moment, God used a deep pain that I had experienced when I was younger to connect with a young woman who was seeking healing and love from the Lord Who could heal her in the same way He healed me. I cherish these moments when hearts bond and healing begins in the Name of Our Lord Jesus. It was all God and all for His Glory!

But you know what else happens each time God uses me in this way? His Power helps heal the pain I experienced even further, and it is replaced with a purpose that can only come from Him! A purpose to the pain and suffering we experience in this world through our Lord Jesus! Amen!!

Henry & Richard Blackaby and Claude King, in Experiencing God explain it this way:

“People don’t ask questions about spiritual matters unless God is at work in their lives. When you see someone seeking God or asking questions about Christianity you are witnessing God at work. That is something only God does in people’s lives” (Blackaby, King pg. 69, emphasis mine).

God has a purpose for where you are right now and what you’ve been through. You are unique, fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), and He has a plan for your life! Surrender your life to Him and allow Him to work in every aspect of your life.

I can’t wait to hear all about it!! Share the joy of Jesus in your life, with me and with others! Amen!!

All the glory to God,

Shanon

Works Cited:

Blackably, Henry, and Richard. Claude King. “Experiencing God: Knowing and doing the Will of God.” B&H Publishing Group. 2008. Print.

Image of: John 6:44 by Inspirational Bible Verse Images–Knowing Jesus.https://images.knowing-jesus.com/John/6/44