On the way to church this morning, I journaled my prayers. Whenever I’m in need of encouragement, I often pray for others. Or I whine, whichever comes first. 🙂 It’s hard for an encourager to admit she’s in need of encouragement herself. But I was.
Today(Sunday) wasn’t a normal service. I hoped for a strong message from our pastor. Instead, our service consisted of small group leaders sharing one at a time about their upcoming fall life groups.
After service as I was signing up for a Bible study, a friend of mine walked up to me. We hadn’t seen each other in months I’m guessing. For fifteen precious minutes, we reconnected. She updated me on her life and family. Then she asked me about my life. I replied something like, “Still the same, confused.” I think I said something positive first. At least I hope I did anyway.
Immediately she poured into me words I needed to hear. Words that touched my heart. She reminded me not to be frustrated with waiting, but rather to:
* enjoy this gift of time I have.
* enjoy my kids for one day(6 years from now) they will be grown and gone.
She encouraged me to:
* keep moving forward little by little with my dreams. Keep doing what I’m doing. To solidify what direction I’m going during these next 6 years. Quit being frustrated. Get the support of my husband as I continue my ministry.
As she spoke of my talent, I felt humbled and held back tears. With all I’ve shared with her over the past couple years, she could easily see me as a flake. Amazingly she continues to see in me what I cannot see. She sees a plan. She sees a hope for my future.
Remember I wanted a strong message from the pastor?
God had a better idea. He gave me an encouraging message from a friend.
And I tasted His sweet grace all over again.
***
(pic from my backyard sign)
Ah, Tiffany, what a beautiful story! God is so great… and you are so faithful to ask Him for what you need in faith that He will provide it. I'm sure your friend was simply speaking the truth because of what she sees in you.
And isn't friendship wonderful??!!
Ahhhhhh!
God knows what we need. All the time. And I imagine He enjoys being a little creative in the way He delivers it.
We need to keep our eyes open!
Thanks for sharing this experience, and reminding me about His faithfulness to give us what we need – even if it doesn't come in the package we were expecting.
May He continue to fill you up today and always!
Tiffany,
God is so amazing that He needed you to feel the way you did, so He could bless you with the words you needed to hear from your friend instead of your pastor. He is so wonderful like that finding those perfect moments to grant us those sweet words we just need to hear. It's like a refreshing drink for a parched and weary soul.
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
God always knows what we need, right when we need it. I love you.
Praising GOD for HIS encouragement in His perfect time! I am continually amazed by HIS timing.
Blessings, andrea
That's so beautiful! I love it when God does things like that. He always gives us just what we need.
I never cease to be amazed at the many ways God meets our need. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story with us. I pray you have a relaxing and blessed week my friend!
I think this is what worship is all about. We offer praises to God, but also get encouraged by the worship and fellowship. "Not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together, but encouraging one another …" (Heb. 10:25) That's what you had going today. Great story!
Warren
I am listening to your wise friend! She did have the message of the day! B
oh precious Tiffany…isn't He good! He always knows what we need and sends the gift in just the right package!
You are so special to me…can't wait to see you!
Be blessed,
Susan
Grace does come in many forms. Some unexpected, but thank goodness it comes!!!
HUGS to you sweet friend.
Kim
And that my friend is the beauty of grace…His perfect timing…His perfect way…doesn't it look beautiful…and feel beautiful. I love you…remember today to take each step in His grace…walk right towards Him!
We can always rely on God to meet our needs.
Praise the Lord!
Oh Tiffany! that is so beautiful! I am so glad that you were encouraged today. I know the feelings of frustration when you feel as if God has given you hopes and dreams and plans for you to live out concerning Him and others. I know it. But, I also know the satisfaction of feeling that enjoyment of the time and place that I am in right now. God will work out all the details if we will trust Him to do it and enjoy the life that He has given us to live right here and now. I never want to despise one place of God's will for me for another. Each place is important for me to live in, enjoy, and master for His glory. This grace package blessed me today too. Thanks for sharing it.
Love,
Christy
I needed encouragement today and I got your blog feed in my inbox. Thanks so much for sharing.
I love when God does that. Takes something that we 'think' we need and give us something totally different and better!
Great post!
God is so good to bring just who and what we need at just the exact time He knows that we need it!
I'm so glad that I'm a child of His!
Just found your blog and it is a blessing. Thank you for sharing your heart.
Lee Ann
encouragement-is-contagious.blogspot.com