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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