I was on my computer at a coffee shop one day in August. After finishing what I wanted to accomplish, I spent some time walking and praying outside as I was discerning exactly what God wanted me to share for some upcoming teaching, as I find moving by body often helps me discern the Lord’s voice. I made a circle in prayer and returned, grabbing some lunch near the coffee shop.
As I sat down, I began to notice people had a desire to reach out and minister to someone. There came an almost pushy feeling that was like “you should reach out to that one, you should reach out to that that one”, but it wasn’t accompanied by the Lord’s peace.
While I ate, the Holy Spirit began to share some things with me. He showed me that I was striving a bit (pushing myself) and encouraged me to just relax. He reminded me that I was a beloved son deeply loved by Him, and whether I reached out to someone or not it would not change that reality. He shared that when I rested in Him, He would lead me to people He desired me to minister to. This was not a new truth for me, but it was a reminder that I have needed often over the years. I’ll unpack that a bit more.
Because evangelism and outreach training is a core part of our mission mobilizing ministry (and prior ministries that I have done over the years) I try to be alert for divine appointments wherever I go. That is a good thing of course and we do need to be intentional regarding the Great Commission—but like most good things, it can get distorted. For me, what can subtly develop over time without me even knowing it is a “religious” way of living—where I start performing acts of ministry almost as “laws” to follow apart from true connection with God. If it goes well, l feel more loved by God. If not, perhaps less loved for a bit. This is not what God wants! He wants us to live secure in His love and minister from overflow to others, genuinely caring but not just from ourselves but from Him!
Back to my story, I found myself quietly praying for a few of the people I noticed nearby and then just resting in His love for me. After a few minutes, I realized I was thirsty and needed something to drink. I went back in to the coffee shop and did not find a drinking fountain. But I saw someone else order and ice water and decided to do the same. As the barista got my ice water and brought it to me, I heard the Holy Spirit whisper, “She’s the one that I want you to bless.” Something written on her shirt stood out to me around that same instant and God began speaking to me about it.
When she brought my water, I said something like, “Excuse me but I am a follower of Jesus and sometimes God puts things on my heart for people. I noticed your shirt and I just want to tell you that you are valuable to God! There may be times when you feel overlooked by others but going forward when those moments happen, you are going to remember this word and realize God values you and sees you and it will not derail your day and cause you discouragement if others don’t notice and value you.”
She received the word very well and was very blessed, even overwhelmed in a good way. She thanked me and shared how it made her day! We talked a minute or so more and I moved on. As I left I heard her sharing about what happened with another employee. Praise the Lord! I can receive that word about being valuable to God especially when feeling overlooked for myself, too. Many of you reading this may need to receive it as well!
This whole experience really ministered to me and I hope it does to you, too! We are human beings, not human doings! We are made for relationship and when we live from that place of sonship with God instead of slavery (see Romans 8:14-15) we don’t have to strive to reach out but simply let His love flow to others. As God spoke to me several years ago in South Korea, “Out of rest you hear me best.” Rest does not only mean taking a nap or even taking a Sabbath or day off. It means connecting with God, releasing burdens to Him and living life with Him! He can (and will) lead us to minister to others through Holy Spirit. This could look like receiving a weighty thought or gut feeling, a mental picture, a Scripture verse, or even being moved by compassion that seems beyond you!
Why not give it a try today? “Rest” in God, receive His unconditional love for you and see whom He may lead you to bless!
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