Ah-Ha

During the cold, winter months of 2017, I dreamed of retirement on a sunny beach somewhere.

God was preparing me to leave my state job. It was definitely time and I believed I had His blessing to do so. But as my parole date loomed (I’m former MDOC), I struggled.

It was a big decision with many things to consider. One of the most pressing issues was the question of what on earth I would do with myself.

I didn’t want to get a job and be at someone else’s mercy—I was all done with that. My hope for “New Normal” was less commitments, more R&R, and my own time frame.

Also, I had lots of things I wanted to do:  Lose weight and exercise. Travel. Catch up with friends and family. Clean closets. Play as much golf as possible. However, I knew that having fun for a living wasn’t for me. I needed purpose. Something meaningful.

God had always told me that He intended to use my writing skills in retirement, but the details remained sketchy, and I was starting to get anxious. I needed a plan. He wasn’t ready to share yet.

Have you ever noticed that sometimes He does that so we will trust Him? It’s a lesson I’ve had to endure many times—apparently I’m a slow learner.

Finally, a few months later, He tapped me on the shoulder. I sat straight up, anxious to listen to Holy Spirit's nudging. But when He whispered, “You need to do a blog,” I was left puzzled. Sure didn’t expect that.

Why are we always so surprised when we beg for answers and He comes through with an entirely different plan than we expected?

He began to download His thoughts and I finally jumped on board. What He had told me was about to come to pass, and I was so excited since it had to do with my new church.

God moved me to Jamestown Church in the spring of 2016. I guess He thought I was ready to take the next steps of my faith journey, and this tiny place of worship with a handful of sold-out believers was to be my next stop. He was moving mightily, and I soaked up the amazing teachings like a sponge—couldn’t get enough.

The Pastors, Paul and Marsha Metzger, are wonderful teachers. Their commitment to helping believers mature their faith and serve the Lord was like nothing I’d ever experienced. (Check out Jamestown Church.)

I especially liked the fact that they believe we should only do what God tells us to. There is no pressure to “perform” or “do tasks” and Paul often asks, “What is God saying?”

So when God started “saying” things to me, I knew I needed a sit-down with the Metzgers. We had already talked about the fact that I was a writer and that it would be part of my retirement world, but yet I hesitated: I was afraid.

Oh, how the enemy loves to zero in on our most vulnerable places.

I’d been a writer for a long time, blogged for several years, been published, etc., yet the thought of stepping into this new thing was somewhat intimidating. I've struggled with insecurity in the past--it's hard to dump your heart and soul for all the world to see. Kinda like standing in front of people with no clothes on. (Not a pretty picture but you get my drift.)

Time to put on my big-girl panties.

I met with the Metzgers so we could brainstorm ideas and it wasn’t long until Paul said, “We need a blog.” I love it when God does that.

We talked about mechanics, content, and concepts. I offered my thoughts about how the blog could be a synopsis of Jamestown teachings, a recap of the sermons, etc.

Imagine my surprise when Paul said, “They’ve already heard what I have to say. It should be your perspective. What God is saying to you.”

I stammered and stuttered. It was hard to grasp, the notion that I was being given free rein. When I asked, “But don’t you want to approve it?” he smiled and said, “You have my approval. Just do what God tells you.”

What a novel idea.

So I began to ask God for His help. He patiently prodded, whispering in His still, small voice. . .

Then. . .

Finally, I realized He was giving me a template for what He wanted: Listen to Him then pass it on. And provide a place for others to do the same.

Come back regularly, make a comment, and share the amazing things He has said. His whispers to you may be just what someone else needs.

Be sure to sign up for email notices about new posts over on the right and pass a link on to someone else.

Please join me on this adventure as we listen to His still, small voice. His Whispers From Above.