A God Moment

Very few times in my life can I point to an occurrence similar to what we experienced recently. More specifically, while I've obviously never heard God speak audibly, on a very few rare occasions, an answer to prayer or bit of guidance has been so specific, direct, and timely that it's about as close as you can get to experiencing God's activity in your life in a tangible way.

For those who've never been a part of one, planting a new church from scratch is, well, a scratchy business. Emotionally, intellectually, physically, and spiritually it can be a bit like a ride across the Rockies--up and down, ad infinitum.

Last week was yet another valley for us. Questions with no answers piled up like the autumn leaves outside. On Wednesday morning after breakfast, Barb and I were reading the Psalms together, and then Barb prayed for us. But she prayed something we don't often pray--she prayed that God would provide us with definitive encouragement on that very day, encouragement that we were still in step with Him on this whole church planting thing. "Lord, show us today that You're not through here yet and that we aren't crazy for doing this."

As the day went on, her prayer made its way to the back of my mind until I'd nearly forgotten it. Then, that evening, just before we left the house for some errands, I decided to check my e-mail. What followed was an unmistakeable God-moment for us. Here is the message that greeted us:

"Hi Andy and Barb--
I just looked at your new website and read through all the pages. It looks great! I felt prompted to encourage you and share something God is reminding me--we are not after a destination or end product, but each day is about being who Jesus called us to be that day. I don't share that because I think you are focused on the wrong thing at all, but Jesus reminded me of that recently (more than once, because I am slow I guess) when I was having feelings of discouragement.

Lord Jesus,
Please encourage Barb and Andy and their walk of faith. They are surrendered to You and depending on You to use them. When they are discouraged, fill them supernaturally with the amazing power of Your Holy Spirit. Remind them that their love and obedience is all You desire. Protect their marriage and their children from plans that would harm or destroy them. Provide them with discernment and clarity as they seek Your direction. Meet their needs and fill them to overflowing with You. Amen.

Praying for you both as God brings you to mind!"

In a moment of grace and through the obedience of an old faithful friend, God broke through the noise and spoke peace and encouragement into what is at times the disorienting fog of following His will.

I share this to reveal to you a God who still demonstrates His care and guidance in tangible ways. I share it to encouarage someone else walking through a valley. And I share it to say thank you to the person who listened to the Holy Spirit and delivered God's grace that day.