Saturday, June 28, 2025

When We Listen

I just let my wife off at the crosswalk in front of one of her favorite stores to do some shopping.  Before she stepped out of the truck she said, “You can see what pops into your brain to write about.”  She’s always an encouragement.

At that point I had nothing, but after finding a parking place to wait for her return, my brain began to awaken.  Sitting there with my air conditioner blasting, my mind shifted into high gear, while praying to receive something extraordinary from God.

Perhaps the following thoughts might uplift and strengthen you in some way.  I’m hoping that I can encourage you with the awareness that when you are finished reading these words, you will feel that the Holy Spirit has spoken directly to your heart, giving you clarity of mind and a direction to pursue.

Whether you feel God or not is not relevant.  It is spiritual health to trust God and not live by feelings alone, but to walk by faith, while allowing Him to direct your footsteps.

(Psalm 37:23), “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.” (vs 24) “Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand.”  

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.”  The Lord is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  What He has done for others, He will do for you.  His love does not fluctuate one-iota, nor does it falter in any way. 

God will never, ever fail us, because His love is deeper than the deepest ocean, wider than the east is from the west, and higher than the highest mountain.  God’s love for us is without end.  It is infinite.  God loved us so much that He died on a cross for our salvation to free us from sin when we ask for forgiveness and surrender our lives to Him.

(Deuteronomy 31:8), “And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you.  He will be with you.  He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”

We need to learn how to trust this love in all things…emphasis on ALL THINGS!  Before I became a Christian, when something came my way that I couldn’t take care of myself, I tried just about everything worldly in a feeble attempt to find answers to my unresolved issues.

Most of the time I was filled with disappointment, because my search failed to materialize positive results that left me feeling helpless and alone.  The wise thing I should have done was petition the God of Creation to intervene, and then trust Him for a miracle, but I was headstrong and not on the same wavelength as the Lord at that time.

When a person believes and gives their problems to God and says, “Not my will, but Thine be done.” peace takes over as they rest in Him, while watching the hand of God calm the raging storm and the troubled sea with words like, “Peace be still!”  God cares for us deeply and wants us to live a victorious and over-coming life.

(1 Peter 5:6-7), “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,” (vs 7) “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

Several years ago, I went through cancer surgery.  My wife literally stood on the Bible and believed God for a miracle.  He honored her faith and brought forth the miracle.  I thank God that I am still around to author words that I pray will bring peace to troubled hearts at the precise moment they need it most.

During my recovery, I received a wonderful letter from a lady in our church that strengthened my spirit during challenging times.  She drafted such amazing words that I knew they had to be from God, and that He was using her to bless me in such a way that the words penetrated the very core of my being.  I WAS ENCOURAGED!

I could feel the anointing of God’s Spirit as I read each word.  I lifted my head toward heaven and thanked God for the woman’s obedience to take time and send the letter my way.  It was strength and healing to the very marrow of my bones.

Perhaps you are feeling a churning within your spirit to do something nice for someone.  I say, “Do it!”  Maybe that person’s name is being manifested in your mind at this very moment.  Don’t wait until they become totally indifferent to receive any acts of goodwill that God may be coxing you to do.

Do it before their heart becomes hardened with the notion that no one really cares.  I am sure they will appreciate a note, phone call, text, flowers, or perhaps give of your time to lend a helping hand in some way.

Showing concern for others can be healing if they are floundering and could use some encouragement.  Everyone needs someone in their corner when the storms of life become intolerable.  Contact them as if you are doing it unto the Lord.  They may be grasping for an act of kindness and thoughtfulness to come their way.  Don’t wait.

(Matthew 10:42), “And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.”

(Acts 20:35), “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak.  And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

Your benevolence could very well make the difference in helping someone choose rightly or prevent them from giving into hopelessness or having a nervous breakdown because of stress.  They may be fighting a battle to not lose faith in God, because they think their problem is too big for Him to handle or that they are not worthy of God’s love.

You can be the instrument or conduit that God flows through to bring hope into their life.  If God is speaking to you, listen to His voice.  If He has already given you a name that may need your compassion and understanding, know this, the results of your kindness can move mountains as you trust God and step out in faith.

Why am I writing these thoughts?  God only knows.  When my wife got out of the truck, my mind was not on you the reader, or any of the preceding words presented here.  But as I opened my mind to what God had for us today, the words seemed to flow like a rushing, mighty river that stimulated my mind.

Maybe all these words are meant for you or for me, just like the letter I received from the lady in our church that touched me.  God bless you as you become a blessing and strength to someone else!

www.wordsfrompapa.blogspot.com

Written by,

Papa Boyd

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