Do you ever sense that God is speaking to your heart to do something or go somewhere that you never expected to? Does He ever ask you to stop and talk with someone you don't know, or pay for someone's meal or give a hug? Do you stop long enough to listen? If you follow my blog then you know that I recently lost my job. Of course this brings uncertainty and yes, I'm tempted to be fearful. But I've found myself with lots of time on my hands...time to listen with my heart...for Him. What things would he have me do? Where might He lead, if I was listening?When life was so busy with only a few moments here and there to myself, the quiet moments with Him were always rushed always constructed. I wonder how many times He tried to get my attention, tried to love on me, tried to show me something. Now I've had enough time to learn that living a life of gratitude sometimes means being grateful for things that we would normally grumble about, like losing a job.
And so, I've just been quiet. I've pulled inward and listened. And He has spoken! There is a keen sense of awareness of His closeness, His presence. Sometimes I feel if I looked quickly over my shoulder, I would see Him there. No, I'm not crazy, I promise. But I refuse to be in fear, doubt and anger over present circumstances. I will use this time to hear what He would have me do next. The answers are all there...in Him. So I wait and I pray and I listen.
I would not have had such sweet times with Him had I still been working. When we have only Him to rely on, His words seem more precious and His guidance more appreciated. And so, my heart is open, I'm listening to see where He will lead me. Where will my path take me next? Where ever it is, I know it will be good. The Scriptures say "Those that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. That's the promise I'm holding on to.
From His Lap,
I love coming here! He is using you so greatly! God Bless and thank you for taking the time to post such caring and thought provoking messages!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Thomasina! That means a lot to me. I'm glad my posts bless you! You are a blessing to me!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
~Erin
I always say if we can't hear God it's because we aren't listening. He's the great Communicator, but we're so apt to get busy. It's funny how circumstances that don't appear to be gifts are. My family's recent wait on God led us down paths we didn't anticipate as well. I shouldn't be surprised by God's faithfulness by now, but I always am! Joining you in praise for sweet times of communion!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Beck. My times with Him have been so sweet. I don't know where my road is leading, but I'm trusting that He will walk it with me and it will be good!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
~Erin
I have experience this so many times. The times when God tells me in the small voice to do something and then I miss it are the hardest. Listen to those small voices and follow, that is when the biggest blessings come.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Julie, amen! Thank you so much for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteBlessings this day.
~Erin
I love when I feel like God tells me to do little random things for people. It's a blessing to me too. Best of luck with your job situation. He must need you to use your time in a different way right now :)
ReplyDeleteKellianne,
ReplyDeleteThat's just what I was thinking. Trying to be patient isi the hard part!!
Thank you for stopping by!
Blessings,
~Erin
oh, I needed to read this today. I am giving my notice at my job tomorrow. The atmosphere is becoming hostile and I feel I just have to leave. I prayed about it this morning and God said "get out of my way."
ReplyDeleteyou've just encouraged me tremendously!
thank you Erin. :-)
Sue,
ReplyDeleteThat was a brave decision to make. God has something good in store for you. Please keep me posted on what path you choose!!!
Blessings,
~Erin
The "be still" part is always difficult for me. I can still my body, but my mind is always going a million different places. I'm a little better with it than I have been in the past, but I have a long way to go. I read about being still on another blog this week, too...so maybe God is telling me something... =)
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Hi Erin~I have just sat and read your last 10 posts...some for the second time. I want you to know that your blog always blesses me and brings peace to my soul. Right now tonight I needed that. Thank you for sharing from your heart.
ReplyDeleteBlessings...Chelle
Hi Erin - great reminder to sit still and know that He is God - and I just have to say, could you please email me that chair? it is awesome!
ReplyDeleteGod bless
Tracy
Erin, some days I feel like you and I are so in tune with our thoughts and our writing. First, let me say Amen! When I was working, I had virtually no relationship with God. I believed and that was about it. Since my job layoff, my hubby's layoff, and a gazillion other trials we've faced the past few years I've pulled closer to God than ever before. I know He's doing a great work on me...and my family. I know this too shall pass. I know God is the reason for my strength and my sense of peace. And I know I'm a target for the enemy because every few days he slips moments of fear into my heart. About 10 minutes ago (before clicking onto your site to read this) I posted an encouraging message and video/song on my facebook page. The song Everlasting God. Go and find your Friday encouragement - http://www.facebook.com/ChristianSuperMom
ReplyDeleteand THANK YOU for giving me encouragement through this post.
Blessings,
Rosann
Tj,
ReplyDeleteGetting the mind still is difficult for a lot of people. I learned how to do that by playing worship music while I prayed. It kept me spirit centered and focused on the Lord.
I appreciate so much that you have been visitng here.
Blessings,
~Erin
Chelle,
ReplyDeleteI can't tell you how much your words bless me. The only reason I write is for people to know that they are loved and precious. You come by anytime and stay awhile!!
xoxo,
~Erin
Tracy,
ReplyDeleteIsn't that chair awesome. My girlfriends and I went to the prairie for a day of relaxation and fun. We took that purple velvet chair with us and had the best time with it!
Thank you for visiting. I love you!
xo,
~Erin
Rosann,
ReplyDeleteSister, I so know how the enemy can try to slip in there. When that happens, speak out faith and hope. Say the very name of God, because fear cannot stay where God is. I will ck out the video you posted. Be encouraged, dear. Your Father adores you!
~Erin