“The Word now lives in You.”
I John 2:14
Equipped with my Bible, Journal and I-pad loaded with worship music, I headed into Barnes & Nobles looking to enjoy some quiet time with Jesus. But, as I roamed around the store two weeks prior to Christmas, there was not an empty chair to be found. That’s when I heard the whisper of the Holy Spirit, “Becky, will you just be available to me today?”
“Sure, Lord, but I was hoping for some time to simply sink into your presence.”
I headed out to my car and that’s when I saw him – a homeless man. He stopped me asked me if I had 50 cents. When I checked my wallet I found a dollar and gave it to him and then I asked him his name. He told me his name was Josh and that he had lost his job and hurt his ankle. I told Josh, I was a follower of Jesus and I asked him if I could pray with him. Josh readily accepted.
After praying over Josh I once again headed to my car but stopped mid stride when I heard a woman shout, “I saw what you did over there.” I wondered if she was angry, but felt like the Holy Spirit was nudging me towards her car. As I approached I said cautiously, “Pardon me. Were you calling to me?” Sofia, as I found out her name was, said, “Yes! I saw what you did. You were praying with him weren’t you?”
I answered, “Yes. I was.”
With that, Sofia grabbed my hand and with tears in her eyes she asked, “Please, will you pray for me too? My nephew has just been killed and I need prayer!”
Later on, after praying with Sofia I reflected on my life as an author and speaker. Perhaps the words I write and speak from a platform are not nearly as important as the Word I live out before others. The Word – Jesus Christ – became flesh. And, the Word now lives in me – and you. As we live the love of Christ before a hurting world, the Word once again takes on flesh. It’s such a mystery. I don’t know about you, but that thought challenges me to think beyond my writing and speaking. It calls me to consider how I’m living the message I write. It calls me to consider why sometimes I live life so unaware of what God might be doing around me and why I am sometimes hesitant to simply offer to pray with people.
What about you? Opportunities are all around us. So often we’re distracted and unaware of what God is doing. What does it look like to live our praise before a hurting world? I would love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment. Who knows, I might just choose one person who comments and send you a Starbucks gift card and a book.
11 Responses
Colleen Dearborn
I love your “Thirty Days Praise Challenge” book. It was very helpful to me, and I need to reread it! I need to get back to praising God as I walk through my day, so I’m abiding in Him and hearing His guidance. Praise is like a “fast track” to connection with God. Then I would be reflecting my praise to the hurting world more. . . . .Thanks again for your ministry.
Becky Harling
Thanks, Colleen!!!! Praise really does lift our eyes doesn’t it?
Blessings and Hugs,
Becky
Verna
Living our praise before a hurting world? I think it’s about being a living, walking testimony of God’s love, grace and mercy. This year I have decided will be a year of service. Serving in different church ministries, volunteering, asking God to use me for His glory. It’s offering hope to the hopeless, lifting them up in prayer, showing them that you are there when life is hurting and painful. And in this busy world, it needs to be a conscious effort! I loved your blog…keeping ourselves open to be used by God! Amen!
Becky Harling
Thanks, Verna! Yes, It’s juts about being available and flowing in sync with the Holy Spirit to be used by God. It’s makes every day an adventure doesn’t it?
Blessings and Hugs,
Becky
Heather
This is beautiful. I wonder how things would change if we all committed to just “be available” to God. I know for myself, I get so caught up in just doing life…especially with 2 little ones…that I forget to step back & be available to Him in other areas. This is such a powerful reminder to do just that.
sara ashworth
Love your ministry. .
Becky Harling
Thanks, Sara!!
Meagan McCready
Thank you Becky! What a huge encouragment! This spoke to the deepest parts of my heart. In my own journey God is pulling back and revealing all things that keep me from living out my faith in more tangible ways. My biggest obstacle is the accusations from the enemy of my own past failings. But praise you Jesus it’s not about me or my past, it’s about waking up each morning desiring to know and love God more and making a conscious effort to see and walk in the “good works” He’s already prepared for me:)
Becky Harling
Oh Meagan, I know that place. Let’s agree we’re not going to listen to the enemy any more when he starts with his blah, blah, blah! Let’s clobber him with scripture and praise in the name of Jesus Christ!~ Christ has prepared GREAT works for you!!~ blessings and hugs to you!
Christy
Thanks for this reminder to refocus our eyes onto Him. I think it’s easy to get lost in the pain and chaos of our own worlds. It is for me anyway. Important reminder tonight to bring prayer and God’s love with me everwhere because someone might need some.
Becky Harling
Thanks, Christy! I need to be reminded as well! It is so easy to get caught up in other stuff and forget being available to God.
Blessings and hugs,
Becky