Happy, Happy, Happy!

I find in my day to day life that it's sometimes easier to take the "Oh, poor pitiful me" approach when things aren't going my way. But I'm soon reminded of what's true because I will get an email, a prayer request, or somebody will post something on Facebook that makes me remember that I am so blessed! Remembering where my joy comes from helps me to understand that no matter the circumstances, I am loved by a Holy, all knowing God that holds every second of my life in His hands. So what do I have to worry about? That's right: NOTHING!

I had an experience last year that really showed me that God is speaking to me and I had better listen. I had to call a vendor and order something that morning. It was in July. The reason I remember the month is because the youth group at our church was in Daytona for a conference and we had these prayer bracelets with a child's name on it that we were supposed to pray for each day. The vendor that answered the phone was named Happy and she was so happy and laughing when she answered the phone. As her and I were talking I kept working on my computer stuff. Then I heard this little voice say, "Ask her if she has any prayer requests." I kind of blew it off thinking that the bracelet I was wearing had somehow caused me to want to ask her that. A couple of minutes later I heard it again, "Ask her if she has any prayer requests." This time the voice was more adamant than before. At this point I started arguing with the voice in my head that I most certainly was not going to ask this girl whose name was Happy and who was laughing and cutting up, but the voice persisted. At the end of the conversation, Happy asked if I had any questions. With my voice and entire body shaking, I said, "Happy, I do have a question and you are probably going to think I'm crazy." She said, "No, please ask." I asked her, "Do you have any prayer needs?" At first she didn't respond then she said "Excuse me?" So I asked again. Then she surprised me with this response, "I do. My life is falling apart around me. It's funny how life can change so quickly." I could hardly contain my emotions and I apologized for getting her upset and for crying but she insisted that I had made her day. When I hung up the phone and prayed for her I knew that God was pleased that I had obeyed. God gives us challenges that make us step outside of our comfort zone and this was definitely one of those moments. Proverbs 8:32-36 says, "Now therefore, listen to me, my children, For blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, And do not disdain(don't consider it unworthy, had to look that one up) it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates,Waiting at the posts of my doors.  For whoever finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the Lord; But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; All those who hate me love death.” 

Our blessings towards others won't always be like the story I've just told, but as followers of Christ we are bound to love one another and if we are truly saved He lives in us and we should want to love others. So today, let God use you to make someone's day. Drop a note to somebody that you haven't talked to in a while, give money to that homeless person, or just love on somebody that needs your undivided attention. Be sensitive to the Spirit of God. He could be speaking to you right now! 

Think about it!
What is God calling you to do? Are you listening? Will you obey? Trust in Him today to lead you to your ministry.