What Did You Say Again? – Part II

“I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands” Psalm 119:10 (NIV).

When we last talked, I explained how God lovingly gave me four reassurances on August 8th while I walked the path He had chosen for our family.  The reason I knew these were from God and not random occurrences were because they were completely unexpected and very personal.

The first way He reassured me was through His Word.  When I thought about it later that afternoon, I had to smile.  God used His very own words, first, to shower me with reassurance I was heading in the right direction.  He gave me the verse, Romans 8:28 twice within a ten-minute timeframe, from two sources that were unrelated.  Whenever God gives me the same book, phrase, or Bible verse twice, I know from past experience to perk up and take notice.  “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” (NIV).  I’d memorized this verse as a child, but never really thought it applied to me.  I’m not sure why, but it took on a whole new meaning for me on August 8th.  It was as though God was saying, “These words are directly from Me to you. Believe them.”

The second blessing was through a complete stranger whom I feel blessed to now call friend.  I loosely belong to the social network Linkedin.  I don’t completely know what to do on there, but I’m happy to accept anyone who wants to be my friend, endorse others, and for the most part if you ask me to do something for you, I will.  A man asked me to be his friend a few days prior and I was happy to accept.  On August 8th, I received a personal message from him and his wife.  Part of the message said this: “You are more than ‘aspiring author’ for the last two years… you took the step.  God Bless you.  Our prayer is that God will use your talent in ways you have not yet dreamed.”  Those words felt as though God was standing in front of me and verbally speaking.

The third blessing was through another email, this time from my blog.  A psychologist had linked an article I had written a year prior to the article he wrote for a psychology magazine.  The fourth blessing was again from my blog, through a comment I received, again regarding my writing.

Now, it’s no coincidence God gave me four blessings on the very day I asked for reassurance. It’s also no coincidence He first comforted my soul with words from His Word, before using complete strangers to reaffirm my path as well.  You see, during the six-week transition period to less income, I questioned if writing was really a calling from God or if I needed to pursue a different ministry.  I was willing to continue the writing journey or I was willing to obey Him through another direction.  I just wanted tangible proof I was resting in His will.  These four blessings represented to me a special message from God that I was right where He wanted me.

Have you heard God speak to you in a personal way before? If not, don’t worry.  He wants to.  Just ask Him and then wait.  Sometimes His message comes immediately and sometimes it comes days or weeks later…but rest assured, He will speak when we ask.

© 2013 Cheri Swalwell