Tired and ready for some alone time with my newly purchased, autographed copy of Ann Voskamp’s book, One Thousand Gifts, I made my way down the aisle. As I arrived at what would be my resting place for the next three hours, I rejoiced in the sweet discovery of an empty seat between me and my fellow traveler who sat by the window. Comfortable and alone. God is good.
Four days with six hundred other women. My brain was on information overload and my spirit was full and expectant of what God had placed within me during my time at She Speaks 2011. I longed to close my eyes, remember the events of the weekend, and think of the great ways God wanted to use me in the future.
Just as I was getting comfortable I noticed a last minute passenger boarding the plane (who could have easily passed for an NFL football player) and searching for his seat.
“Oh please, not here. Not this seat.” I muttered under my breath.
I smiled politely and stood up so he could squeeze into the empty middle seat beside me (the empty seat just moments earlier I was convinced was a gift from God).
I contemplated striking up a conversation but quickly dismissed the idea when he pulled out his earphones and melted away with his favorite melodies.
“Fine. No, actually perfect. I can still have that alone time and read my beautiful new, autographed book.”
I opened the front cover and again admired my personal, handwritten message from my new friend, Ann, and started reading. No sooner than I had started reading I heard a still small voice on the inside of me whisper, “Give him your book.”
I began to reason that this surely was not the voice of God. And besides, men don’t like to read- especially football players.
“Give him your book.”
For three whole chapters I tried to ignore and reason my way out of obeying the gentle voice that wouldn’t go away.
“Give him your book.”
Finally, I decided to consider that maybe this voice I was hearing really was God. I mean, it could be. Probably wasn’t but stranger things have happened. So I did what any spiritual person would do. I asked for a sign.
“Ok, if he takes out his earphones and looks interested in having a conversation with me I will ask him if he likes to read. If he responds with yes, I’ll know it’s you, God. If he says no – which I’m certain he will – I will know it was just my crazy imagination.”
Almost immediately my new neighbor took out his earphones and looked my way. We began chit- chatting and I knew. I knew the answer to my question before I even asked it.
“Do you like to read?”
“I love to read!”
Conviction flooded over me and suddenly I could barely breathe. How could I be so selfish? I had spent my whole weekend in ministry training and submitting my life in prayer for service and here I was on an airplane in the middle of an assignment and I almost missed it.
With great joy I placed my book in the hands of my new friend. He was overcome with emotion and it was obvious this was a divine appointment. For the next hour God empowered me to encourage, listen, and offer hope as my brother poured out his story. A story of being away from God. A preacher’s kid who had heard it all and chose to walk away for a season. A parent of a teenager who needed help. A husband who needed a miracle in his marriage. A man on his way to Iraq for a whole year to make money for the family he left behind. God wanted to let Him know he was not traveling alone.
We talked. We shared. We prayed.
What an honor to sit here in this seat next to Him.
What a privilege that our Father would use me to bring His son back home.
Maybe you’ve heard that still small voice and thought it couldn’t possibly be God. Have you considered that it might be? Push past fear and doubt and self. Don’t miss your assignment no matter how big or small it may seem. Our greatest blessings are found in obedience.
#radicalobedience #saywhat?
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Please join us for this week’s blog hop at Proverbs 31 Online Bible Studies! 
Sometimes we wonder if that is God speaking to us. But, when we realize that we are Saying Yes to God , then, the peace of knowing it was God speaking, fills our souls with love. Thanks for sharing your book with that gentleman and sharing your story.
Peace be with you.
So true, Melissa. Such peace in obedience! Thank you for your words today, my friend! xo
Shelly,
I know that you shared this story with me before, but I still get teary eyed reading it again! Hearing of how someone’s obedience not only blesses others, but themselves is just beautiful. That is kingdom living!
Love you Melissa! So excited to pursue Kingdom living with you!! God is so good.
Inspiring!! Thank you!! “our greatest blessings are found in obedience” …LOVE!
Thank you, Shannon!
Just wow. This brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful opportunity to be used to be Jesus with skin on to another person. What a blessing you were. Isn’t it amazing that when we say YES to God it is us who ends up being blessed in the end?
For sure, Hope!! I left with no loss even in the absence of my newest earthly treasure…greater gain than words can describe. He is so good to us!
I have Goosebumps reading your story of the man on the plane. I’m so glad God showed you that sign so you didn’t miss this divine appointment.
Hi Tricia! Thanks for taking the time to share your encouragement here today! You are a blessing!
God has such a sense of humor….it’s funny how our “oh nos” become His “oh, yes, you will” moments. I love the fact that He sent the Holy Spirit to whisper words into our ears, and also that the Holy Spirit is persistent enough to keep on us. It is my prayer that I will never be too closed to hear the whispers and too stubbon not to act when prompted to do so.
Yes He does
And yes…praying that prayer with you, Linda. Thank you for your words here today!
Awesome! Simply awesome!!
Hi Racquel! So glad you stopped by today! He is AWESOME!
I love that the God of this Universe takes time to personally speak to us! This is a beautiful testimony!!
Yes, Sue! I love how personal He is with each of us! Thank you!
Wow, Shelly!!! This made me teary eyed while reading it! Such a testimony of how God wants to use us…we just need to be willing to step out in obedience! Thank you for sharing!! ~Lori
Hi Lori! I’m so glad you stopped by today. Thank YOU for your words of encouragement!
WOW! Shelly, what an amazing story of saying YES!! I love that your trip was rich in many #saywhat moments & I appreciate that you shared a snapshot of an amazing weekend!!’ ❤ You
Hello beautiful Vashti! Thanks for your words here. Love you too!
Wonderful – thanks for sharing Shelly
Thanks, Melanie!
That was truly a beautiful heart touching story Shelly. Thanks for giving him your book as I’m sure it was a great companion to him over in Iraq and thanks for sharing this story.
Thank you, Trish!
I love this story, it is amazing what God does and blesses you when you listen to that still small voice in your heart. How wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Lisa! So true…when we listen and obey
WOW! What a great story. I could so identify with all your feelings! I love how you asked God to confirm and even though u were convinced u were right, you still heard Gods voice and ACTED! You brave woman! Your sharing this will allow others to say, ok God, if this is really you, show me! Thank you for sharing, and thankyoufor obeying!
It’s funny what we can do, in spite of ourselves, when we obey God. What a powerful testimony of how personal he wants our relationships to be. Thank you for sharing.
Love your obedience!
These stories are so encouraging. God has been after me to share my faith more, but I always assume the people aren’t interested. Or he will tell me to go and pray for someone in worship and I assume that CAN’T be right.
I am going to start listening to these cues.
Thank you so much Shelly for this. Wow! You are a true inspiration for all of us! I am so thankful I stopped by to hear this refreshing story of obedience. Blessings and hugs to you.
This made my heart beat fast…I have ignored this small voice so many times…thank goodness for saying “yes!” I am ready for some #saywhat moments now:)!
Just wanted to let you know I read this today and isn’t wonderful how the Lord gently persists!
Oh Shelly! What a beautiful post! Your words always inspire me and this story is no different. Bless you sweet friend. So excited to “hear” why you had flight troubles.