I recently had a little spiritual ‘wow’ moment. One of those small, quiet moments when I realized later that God was telling me something. I’m typically not very good at noticing those immediately. I’ve often joked that I would like Him to provide a neon sign or something equally unmistakable when I need to receive a message. As we know, that’s not how it works, and it’s not very prayerful. But even more, and as wrong as I know it is, I’m not overly confident He will call on me to do anything too substantial. I mean, why me? There are so many others much more worthy, more talented, and more devout. Again, deep down, we know that’s not how it works, but the idea can tend to sneak in.
He in fact does call on us; we just might miss it because it can be small or seem insignificant in the big picture of all the work that needs to be done. But nothing we do for the Glory of God is insignificant. No gifts that we offer in His name will be rejected or dismissed. Instead, they will be embraced and absorbed. We are most definitely called in big and small ways—every day. Even if it’s to offer prayer which is testimony of our faith and of our full trust in Him. And that is where I found myself. Receiving the message to offer prayer. Prayer that strengthens both my faith and someone else’s. Prayer that places complete trust in God.
In the midst of my regular morning prayer the other day, one of my best friends was suddenly in the forefront. At the time, the only thing that I said to myself was ‘huh.’ I had seen her not long ago when we enjoyed a nice lunch out. For a brief second, I made note to check in with her via text later. Then I forgot about it. The very next morning she texted me—asking for prayers. One of her loved ones had been brought to the ER a few days before and had already gone through major procedures. It’s quite serious. How quickly things change. As I read her text, my ‘huh’ changed to ‘wow.’ I had been told she needed extra prayer. I was told the day before. I was told, and I didn’t fully hear the message and take heart. It came subtly, quietly, but it was so important. I’m grateful she reached out to me and asked for the one thing I can do to help right now. I felt so guilty for forgetting to check in with her. I should have known; I should have recognized this small call to do my part right then.
I recalled another time I doubted what I could offer. Years ago, I made an item for a friend who was grieving. Then I regretted giving it to her and deemed it a stupid thing to put together when her pain was so immense. But I remember what she told me in her brokenness but with gratitude: Anything we do from a place of love, and to show God’s love, is never wrong.
So, the lesson I share here is prayerfully take note and don’t overlook or dismiss even the smallest hints of His calling to us. Don’t assume, like I did, that it’s probably nothing. I know I’m not a bad person because I didn’t respond right away. But this revelation has reminded me to be more aware. It has reminded me that even the smallest gifts from the heart are worthy.
Journeying to Grace 