Where were you when you heard God speak to you? We think of the most likely times and places such as at church, during quiet prayer time, on a solitary walk……But sometimes God speaks when we least expect it and sometimes in the most unlikely of places……like the gas station.
I have someone very close to me who, about a year ago, had an experience where God might as well have tapped him on the shoulder and whispered in his ear. With his permission, I am so excited to share his story……
This person had been going through a really difficult season……a season seemingly lasting several years. He had experienced health issues, relationship disappointments, and work struggles. All areas of his life had been challenging and he had been searching for some positivity and direction.
This particular day, he had pumped his gas and decided to go inside and purchase a drink. After making his selection, he made his way to the cashier and got in line. He noticed the shirt of the woman standing in front of him. It simply read “1 Peter 5:10” across her shoulders…..no picture, no design, just the scripture reference. As he was thinking to himself, “hmmm, I am not familiar with that scripture, I should look it up”, the woman turned to leave. He recalled that the woman paused and locked eyes with him…..intentionally and intently. She looked deep into his eyes and smiled the warmest of smiles.
When he returned to his car, he immediately reached for his phone to read the scripture. Before he even had the opportunity to pull it up, a TikTok alert opened…..it was a young woman saying, “hey, I just want to share my favorite scripture with everyone, 1 Peter 5:10”.
1 Peter 5:10 – After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you.
How loving is our God? He knows everything we experience, the challenges and the struggles, and His love for us is never failing through it all. How compassionate is our Father? He embraces us and carries us until we regain our strength. How perfect are His ways? He uses our experiences to teach us, guide us and make us better.
Does this story remove any doubt God speaks directly to us? Perhaps He speaks to us quite often and, unfortunately, we may not be tuned in or listening. I fully believe God was adamant my someone receive His message and receive it he did.
As a follow up…..my sweet someone is in a much better place now. His trying season has passed, health questions have been answered, his work has improved, new friendships have been established. Will he face difficult times again? Of course he will, ups and downs are a part of life; but he is now armored with the reassurance his prayers are heard and God is always with him and for him.
Where has God spoken to you? I would love to hear your story.
