Thankful Thursday: What God's Been Saying to me

It's Thankful Thursday and today I want to share with you something God has been speaking to me about this week.  I am purposing to respond to the Lord's prompting through the Holy Spirit and to be *listening* for His voice.  I believe I have been quenching the Spirit--grieving Him--by hearing, but ignoring, His promptings! Here is how I was made aware of this, for which I am very thankful today.


On Sunday a man who is a good friend of our family shared a testimony at church.  He began by saying that one evening a week before he had been thinking he should call his friend Al, who lives in another state, and who had been a business associate for many years, but more importantly, had become a dear and close Christian brother in the Lord to him.  In recent months they spoke on the phone almost every day.  But this night it was getting late, and my friend was tired and he thought, "Even though I know he'll still be up, it's late and I'm tired, and I'm just going to wait and call him in the morning."


The following morning he went to the phone, but before he could pick it up to call, it rang!  It was fairly early, and when he heard Al's brother on the other end of the line, he was surprised, for he never called.  My friend said, "Why are you calling?  Is there anything the matter?  What can I do for you?  How can I help you?"  The brother of Al replied sadly that Al had suffered a massive heart attack in the night.  He was still alive, but not doing well.  It was not long after that he passed away.  My friend was able to drive across country to attend the funeral and be with the family.  But God had impressed on his heart an urgent message.


Though he knew that Al was saved, and could rejoice not only that he was with the Lord, but that he would see him again, my friend was devastated to realize that he would never be able to talk to him again this side of heaven.  He knew God had been prompting him to call and encourage his friend one more time.  On Sunday, he shared his passionate heart's desire to never again delay in responding to the promptings of the Lord.


His testimony moved me greatly, for I could relate, though I had not had to suffer such dramatic consequences!  I knew that I must change.  I could think of many times recently when I had been prompted to do something, but ignored or pushed away the prompting!  Not all thoughts which I have are from the Lord, but I knew that some were!  I realized I had been disobeying, confessed my sin, and purposed to listen, and recognize the Lord's voice when He spoke, and *respond immediately*!


It's been a wonderful week of more closely walking with the Lord, as I've been focused on attentiveness to Him.  Now that I have been listening, I have heard Him speak many times!  I am so thankful that the Holy Spirit made me aware of my sin, that God is so gracious to forgive, and that He continues to speak to me and lead me.


To participate and read other thankful hearts, visit Iris at Grace Alone.  Thanks, Iris, for hosting this month!