“When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen.”
Jeremiah 29:12 (The Message)
I love my jobs. Yes, I have more than one job, but many of us now-a-days do. I’m a wife and mother first, and while that may technically be a “job,” I consider it more a blessing. I also work for two companies and again, while those are technically jobs, I consider them ministries with a paycheck.
Last month God used a conversation to reaffirm that I’m exactly where He wants me, and He used the power of prayer to do just that. I love that! It’s just like God to use not only something He’s been teaching me more about (praying) as well as what is His main method of communication.
For one of my jobs, I run a live chat once a month via internet. We give out books for free in exchange for people reading and posting reviews as well as give away prizes. It has become a real community. I feel blessed to have a chance to “lead” this group and give away things.
I was taught by example that the best way to choose a winner is to let God lead. One particular month I felt like God was leading me to pick two specific people. I wrote their names down and attempted to call. One person’s number was disconnected and the other person didn’t answer. I chose another person who God kept whispering to my heart, but then asked my daughter, who was sitting with me, if she wanted to pick the second name. I’m all about sharing the fun. She readily agreed and after looking over the names, gave me her choice.
I put the phone on speaker, dialed, and the conversation went something like this:
“Hello? Is ______ there?”
“Hi, Cheri.”
“How did you know it was me?” (I was laughing because I figured this person had caller ID since I hadn’t introduced myself yet.)
“During my quiet time today, the Holy Spirit told me that I was going to win tonight and when you called, I was to ask you to pray with me.”
I was speechless and felt the presence of God right then. It took me a few minutes but then I responded, “I have to be honest. I didn’t pick your name. My daughter, who is sitting right here listening to our conversation, is the one who chose your name.”
I was still so shocked that I don’t remember her response. But I do remember asking her what God wanted me to pray with her about and she proceeded to tell me. Normally if someone asks me to pray with them, I promise that I will and move on, but that particular night, I told her that everyone in the chat could continue to talk among themselves because if it was okay with her, I was going to pray with her right then. And we did. It was one of the most beautiful moments and I continued to feel the Holy Spirit’s presence.
Later, I shared that powerful experience with my mom and her immediate response was, “What a wonderful way for God to show you He has you right where He wants you.” And she is right. I always knew that God put me here and I have shared in the past how I know that, but what a wonderful affirmation that I’m still where God wants me.
Come back next time and I‘ll share with you how God blessed my daughter through that conversation as well. Isn’t it just like God? He loves each of us so much that He’s going to bless everyone involved in a way that touches each of us personally.
© Cheri Swalwell 2016
Upon reading this, I was reminded that what others may want to chalk up to coincidence in the secular world, I enjoy calling “Awesome God Moments”. These moments are a time for God to secretly display himself to us; almost like a little wink from heaven. What confirmation of his presence (sp?) and love!
I completely agree with you, KristenE. I love serving a personal God – One who shows us continually how much He loves us. It’s such a privilege to get to obey Him and do things His way – the blessings are just the icing on the cake!
Blessings to you and thanks for taking time to share this morning.