On an ordinary morning, driving my kids to school, I heard an extraordinary voice.
His voice was clear…
“Call 888-XXXX.” I shook my head to clear the cobwebs and thought “What?” It wasn’t even a number I recognized. As I left the school, I very clearly heard the command again. It was about 7:30 in the morning and I was hesitant to call anyone that early. But, thinking it could only be 1: I’m crazy, or 2: from God, I thought “I’ll give it a shot.” I punched in the number on my cell and after a few rings, a computerized voice told me I’d reached the number I’d just dialed. No name and no hints. I felt pretty smug, though, knowing I had complied without revealing my insanity!
Satisfied with my response, I headed home. Our 3 dogs greeted me at the door in a frenzy, begging for an outing. I piled them in our van and headed for a morning romp at the lake. On the way, The Voice came back. The message this time, though, was “Go to Jeff’s house.” The Jeff that came to mind lived within a short distance of the lake. I thought this was increasingly odd, and tried to shake the idea off. I’d known him and his family for years, but we were only acquaintances. The closer I got to the turn off, however, the louder The Voice was. So, a little frustrated and more than a little confused, I veered towards his house. Through the window, I could see him sleeping in front of the fireplace on the floor. There was no way I was going to knock and wake him up. So, I returned to the van and continued to the lake.
His voice was insistent…
The dogs were wild with excitement and their enthusiasm made me laugh. But, no sooner did I have them leashed up and ready to go, than the skies gave forth with a crash of lightning and thunder followed by a pelting rain. Completely frustrated, I packed the dogs back in the van, cheated of their play date. We headed down the hill and there was that command again “Go to Jeff’s house.” Although I was entirely irritated by this time, I pulled back into his driveway.
I knocked on the door, hesitant to wake him with no logical explanation for my appearance. He got up, opened the door and groggily said hello. My greeting was a rushed and embarrassed “Jeff, I have no idea why I’m here, but I felt God told me to come -and by the way, do you need a hug?” The latter part was totally unexpected and I surprised myself when it came out of my mouth. He burst into tears as I hugged him.
I was thoroughly bewildered and it must have shown. He invited me in and explained that he’d felt so isolated from God recently, he’d been praying for a tangible hug from Him. I was stunned. God had chosen me to help answer Jeff’s prayer?
Irritation turned to astonishment.
We stood in the entryway for a time and he shared his heart with me. At one point I asked him what his phone number was. When he recited the same number I’d dialed earlier, I told him that part of the story, too. We marveled together about God’s mysterious and powerful ways.
His voice was a blessing…
I’m not sure why God insisted on me being part of His plan that morning. It was a humbling experience to know He chose me, and because of my obedience Jeff and I were equally blessed. Sometimes I drown out His Voice with the busy-ness of my days, but when I stop and remember that morning with Jeff, it helps me to slow down and Listen.
How about you? What marvelous things have happened when you’ve listened to His Voice?
Jan 01, 2013 @ 04:03:08
This is wonderful. I really needed to read this right now.
It’s 5 in the morning here on New Years Day, and I am feeling sad and keyed up and lonely. I haven’t been able to get to sleep all night. My husband is asleep, our dog is asleep, but I am fast awake and miserable. I don’t even know why I’m feeling this way!
I decided to click over to your blog and continue reading from the point where I left off yesterday, after I started reading your blog from the beginning. This story is so beautiful and wonderful! I think what I need to do is get down on my face and pray. But first I really need to vacuumn the rug.
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Jan 01, 2013 @ 06:42:42
Hi Lynda,
I’m so glad this story helped you.
Maybe God is lonesome for you right now, and prayer will bring you peace this morning.
Hugs to you as we start a new year…
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Aug 07, 2012 @ 09:29:25
I love how faithful you were to God’s prompting even though you felt awkward and a bit unsure of “why” you were being led to do so. To hear the outcome sends shivers down my arm!!
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Jul 22, 2012 @ 20:20:52
I was raised in a religous family. We went to church every Sunday. I heard people pray wonderful elegant prayers. I wished I could pray and talk to God like that. As I grew up, I did whatever it took to drown out what God was telling me-mostly because he did not answer my prayers the way I wanted Him to-or I did not like the answer. He did not know what was best for me, I did. I spent many years running away from myself, sectioning myself off from God, my family and friends.
Only in the last few years have I really turned my life over to God. I ask Him to show me his will for me each day and the power to carry it out. I talk to Him constantly throught the day, and night. If something bothers me I turn it over to Him. I am now able to sleep better at night. I am greatful for clearity of mind.
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Jul 16, 2012 @ 22:14:01
This is your best one yet! Wow! Love this story!
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