Following the Holy Spirit’s Prompting

by Debb Hackett

I know you know the feeling. You’re sitting or standing, working, or playing peacefully, and an idea drops into your mind. You dismiss it. And then it appears at the forefront of your thoughts, a little more developed this time.

Once more you push it away. You’d be laughed at or proven wrong if you did this thing. People might think you’d lost your mind. But by the time you’ve decided you’re losing your mind, the idea has morphed into a firmly formed plan, and you know with certainty and a vaguely nauseous feeling, that you’re doing it.

This happens to me every time I encounter the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Unless it’s to bake or cook for someone. Then I cheer and pull out my measuring cups. Typically, though, I’m called to act out of my comfort zone.

Most recently, this involved organizing a financial blessing. Not funding it, just arranging it and helping to deliver. But I’d hemmed and hawed over it for several weeks. I gave the Lord my answer, explaining the recipient was fairly independent and extremely generous themselves. I told Him my worries about the gift being rejected and about my own popularity, should that happen. Somewhere, I suspect my spiritual ancestors were shaking their heads. Especially the Apostle John.

The truth is, I did know whose voice it was. But instead of worshipping with my obedience to that voice, I let my earthly hands cover my ears while yelling “la la la.” Finally, worn down after learning more information to fuel this blessing, I spoke up. I expected failure at every turn (several things needed to line up). Instead, everything fell into place. The blessing was delivered.

Several days passed. Tick tock, tick tock. No word from the destination of the funds. Then finally, a message. The situation I’d been hoping to ease was far worse than I’d realized. In fact, just that day, the beneficiary hadn’t known how a certain need would be met. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit peeled my hands off my ears long enough to deliver a swift, verbal, kick in the pants.

As I mentioned, I wasn’t the source of these funds, simply the person who got to deliver them. The Lord has people in our lives He wants us to bless on his behalf, sometimes solo and sometimes as a team. We don’t need to be fabulous chefs or wealthy philanthropists. The only requirements are ears ready to listen and hands ready to act.

Can I encourage you to take a moment and ask the Lord what he has for you to do today? Then listen, and let your actions be your answer.

Get to Know Debb Hacckett

Writer, broadcaster, and speaker Debb Hackett  has been a radio journalist for more than twenty years. Married to a test pilot, Debb writes for military wives and lives in England with her husband and children. She’s having lots of fun working on an inspirational contemporary romance series. When she’s not writing, Debb can be found leading worship, playing bass, or skiing. Also, if you can swing by her house while she’s making scones, that would be a win. She blogs at: http://debbhackett.com.

Bold Prayers: Settling Our Regrets and Living in Absolution – Faith Over Fear

There's often a difference between receiving the all-sufficient grace granted to us through faith in Christ and living fully, deeply immersed in that grace. Sadly, many of us live consumed with guilt. And, because we live in a punitive culture where we're accustomed to getting called out and punished for our mistakes–and, potentially, seeing them blasted across social media–we can approach our relationship with God with that same mindset. That is why practicing confession can be so freeing. In naming our sins, big and small, and asking for forgiveness (which we've already received), we are also learning to practice what Jennifer refers to as a perpetual "clean-slate" existence. In this episode, hosts Jennifer Slattery and Carol McCracken launch a 5-part series on bold prayers with a discussion of words uttered by ancient Isreal's 2nd king, a man God referred to as someone after His own heart. (Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.) (Bible passage discussed: Psalm 19) Find Carol McCracken: On her website  On Facebook On Instagram Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group  Discussion/reflective questions: What resonated with you most in this episode? Why might it be helpful to begin one's prayers proclaiming the power, vastness, and goodness of God? What thoughts or emotions typical arise when you think of the spiritual practice of confession? Why is it important to remain cognizant of God's abundant grace while practicing confession? How can practicing confession help us experience God's grace on a deeper level? (Not earn it, but experience what He's already given us.) How might practicing confession help one live with more self-awareness? What is one action step God might be inviting you to take, having listened to this episode?   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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