Encouragement for "life"

Do you ever wake up and wonder if your on the right path in life? Ever lay there and ask God to speak to you; just a few words to maybe let you know your making the right decisions? Or even if he cares enough to speak to you? I do. And I have more lately then ever before in my entire life. We're still facing some "financial" giants; and even some personal major/minor issues. The financial ones will take time and a lawyer with a big heart. The personal ones; well lets just say that I am learning to "let go and let God"; or better yet "God can, I can't so I think I'll let Him". Both sound really great, and they are it is just a little harder to put them in action. But hey I'm making it happen. And with each passing day, and with each prayer, prayed it gets less and less painful. Then I often let my thoughts move on to the "here and now" of life. Did I make the right choice, what could I have done different. Dale hated his job more and more. Our home became an "illness". Literally, the house was so bad; behind the walls we had no idea. It has had to have a MAJOR over haul just to bring it to code. At first I wanted to sell the house as is. I didn't care what was wrong with it. Then I realized that if another young family bought it they would expect it to be "safe". And I wanted that to be. So God blessed us with someone who was willing to "flip it" for us. You would have thought that I was satisfied with this answer. Then came the "family" drama with my side. And I wondered was I abandoning my "parents"; because that is what was said to me. But still I pressed on; reassuring them that I was indeed not abandoning them in any way. And the rest of the drama followed. But still on I went. Sent off with tearful, and wonderful "miss yous" and promises to keep in touch. And thanks to 3 wonderful young ladies; determined I might add, it is so. I have been blessed with seeing them and the folks I love; not everyone, but most. So it is to God that I credit my strength and ability to "flourish" where I am at. It has not been easy emotionally; but physically it has been a good choice. It has been the best choice for Dale. And for that I am so thankful. He is once again the "fun" man that I married and fell in love with. Not that I ever did not love him; but you know what I mean. He brings home "snakes" so I know what to look for. I've found amazing wildlife under old boards and other things strewn about. Animals I did not know looked like they did. I've watched my in-laws come back to life. And I have had the amazing privilege of watching Dale and his Dad work together; building and painting fences. And the many other "God given" wonders I have been able to see.
After seeing and listening; you would have thought that by now I "get" it. I am where I am supposed to be. But no not me....at least not until this morning. When I found it in writing. In Isaiah 54:10 and in Deuteronomy 31:6 God promises me he is there for me always; and he has been; I just have not been good at really listening. And now I will do more listening and less trying to do this on my own. Thanks for listening.
hugs and blessings,
Me
PS This is a daily devotional I get. This is what led me to this story. Hope you can see the parallel : )



Does God Still Speak to Ordinary People?
Glynnis Whitwer

"All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit,
whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things
and will remind you of everything I have said to you." John 14:25-26 (NIV)

Devotion:
The Bible tells amazing stories of God speaking directly to humans. God walked and talked with Adam. He spoke through a burning bush to Moses, and God had direct messages for His people after speaking with the prophets of old. Growing up, I wondered if God had stopped speaking to normal people after Bible times. After all, I never heard Him speak.

Years went by, I matured in my faith, got married, taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and loved God and His people. But I never heard Him speak to me. Honestly, it didn't bother me much, because I figured God had said all He needed to say, and it was in the Bible. What more did I need to hear?

Apparently, God had something more to say. It wasn't until we moved across country that I discovered He longed to communicate personally with me.
Twelve years ago, my family moved from Phoenix to Charlotte. It wasn't a move I wanted, but I begrudgingly acquiesced to support my husband's dream of living somewhere else. Instead of embracing the adventure, all I saw was loss: my career, church, friends and extended family. I was heartbroken.
It was in that condition I started hearing God "speak" to me. It wasn't in an audible voice, or in any unusual way, just a clear voice in my spirit. One that hadn't been there before. God put Scriptures in my mind I didn't know I had memorized. He spoke words of encouragement specifically for me. He gave me direction to do things I never would have done on my own. Here's an example.
We had been church searching for a few weeks when God directed us to a small congregation meeting in a grade school. One week, a lovely young woman gave her testimony. My heart was moved. That very same week, I heard a radio spot by the woman who had spoken at the church. God spoke to me in a way I'd never before experienced and He clearly told me to call her and offer my services as a volunteer.
I was startled, but obeyed. It took a few phone calls, but I finally reached Lysa TerKeurst, the President of Proverbs 31 Ministries.
"Hi Lysa," I said. The next words came tumbling out of my mouth as I blurted, "I've just moved to Charlotte, I saw you at church, then heard you on the radio. I've got a degree in Journalism and I'm wondering if you need any volunteers."
There was a pause on the other end of the phone before Lysa answered, "We've been praying for someone with a degree in Journalism."
It was exciting to hear God speak to me, and I began to understand what Jesus meant when He said God the Father would send His Holy Spirit to communicate with us. I saw how God was orchestrating events when I listened to and obeyed His Spirit within me. In a conversation with a friend from home, I told her about this new experience. She said that perhaps my life had been too full to hear God before my move.
She was right, but there was more. I was very independent and made decisions without consulting God. In truth, I hadn't needed Him or His counsel, very much. Or so I thought. It wasn't until everything I depended on was removed, that I became empty and desperate for God to fill me. From my place of need, God's Spirit became my counselor, comforter and guider.
Years ago, I asked God for help in this area. I knew I had the potential to slip back into my independent ways, and I wanted to keep hearing His voice. I asked Him to always keep me humble and in need of Him. Although that was a hard prayer to pray, it's even harder to live out because God answered it. If that's the price of hearing God, I'll gladly pay it.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for speaking to ordinary people through Your Holy Spirit. Forgive me for the times I get busy and independent. I want to hear Your voice above all else. Help me to trim things from my life so there is room for You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.