Good morning…

I was in a bit of a funk. Battling self doubt orchestrated by God’s enemy, I worried that the words pouring from my fingertips were losing power, getting ho-hum, limping ineffective. A few nights back, I prayerfully journaled onto the page my soul-searching angst. God must have been listening. Look at portions of an email greeting me in my inbox the very next morning.

She wrote to me personally: “Good morning Sue. I loved today’s devotion. You inspired me to write this email to my son. I hope this encourages you and shows you what an inspiration you are and also how you are impacting lives for the good!!!”

She wrote to her son: “Yesterday when I was leaving early, the garage door would not close with my car remote, so I had to get out of the car to punch the keypad manually. When I turned around to walk back to the car, I saw the most beautiful night sky…crystal clear with bright, bright stars! I instantly knew this was a gift from God telling me to slow down, notice and appreciate…the colors of the changing leaves, Dad’s breath as he snores beside me (which means that he is alive), the sound of you and your brother laughing, your hands that God created to grip and throw a baseball nearly 90 mph and accurately… I thanked God yesterday morning for the garage door that would not close.

All of this makes me think of your decision as to where to play baseball. When you visit schools, really notice how the players interact and treat each other, how the coaches treat the players, if the players are having fun and working hard. Pay close attention to the intangibles (body language, effort). Take some time to be still and quiet without any electronics, talk to God, and ask God to reveal to you where He wants you and where He will use you to make the most spiritual impact. Then listen for His voice. He promises to show you the way.

The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together.
The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road.
The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy.
The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes, Psalm 19:7-8 (MSG).
I am so proud of you. I love you, Mom”

I wrote back to her: “Thank you for your email. You did not know this, but God used you to encourage me when I was doubting myself, doubting my gift, doubting God’s oft-illusive presence. I sit in awe of the LORD, who gave me inspired words to share with you, so that you could encourage your son before turning back to encourage me. We all need to take time to be still and quiet without electronics, to notice God, to talk to God, to listen to God’s voice. When we ask, God reveals to us where He wants us to make the most spiritual impact. Thank you for taking the time to encourage me at a moment God knew I needed it.”

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone, Colossians 4:2-6 (NLT),

Sue