The handwritten note fell from one of the books. It’s words caused shivers to run down my spine when I saw what it said. God was there and He had spoken.
Recently a long time friend of mine shared with me an experience she had while taking a mental break from life. She’d been through some challenging times and was able to go on a spontaneous retreat. She had rented a condo in the mountains and planned to spend a few days relaxing and reading.
In preparing for her trip she had ordered some books on-line. They were used but in good condition. While on the retreat as she was reading one of then, a small piece of paper fell out of the book. She picked it up not sure what it was. She unfold the paper to find it was a note. Not being sure who the note was intended for, she read these words hand written on the paper:
“Your diet is not only what you eat
it’s what you watch, –
what you listen to, –
what you read, –
the people you hang with –
be mindful of these things
you put in your body –
emotionally, spiritually and physically –
I love you,
always + forever”
The words were exactly what my friend needed to hear that day. I believe that God planned this note for her.
Sometimes God speaks to us in tangible ways like my friend experienced. Other times we listen, we look, we pray, we read while waiting in anticipation and we get nothing.
One of my favorite verse is the Bible is Jeremiah 29:11,
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
Even so, there have been times in my life when I have felt an uneasiness in believing God was trying to communicate and direct my life. I just could not put my finger on what the message was for me.
Other times the directions He’d given me are so clear that even if I argue with Him the outcome of His message to me is undeniable. When I follow through I never regret the action He’s guided me to take.
What plans has He had for you? Was it easy to discern or did the guidance seem faint?
We can all take comfort in the words found in in Isaiah 58:11,
“The LORD will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden.”
And we also read in Isaiah 54:10,
“‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ ” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”
The good news is that as we seek to find God’s words and direction in our lives, He continually loves us and His love has no end no matter what happens in our lives.
Watch and wait for the notes that fall out of books or other guidance from God but in the meantime, know that He has compassion on you. Know that you can rest in His love and His peace can never be removed.
JW