When was the last time you heard God speak? When did He speak so clearly there was no denying it was meant just for you?
A few weeks ago, a sweet, young friend, Hanna, received the call we all dread…..her father was extremely ill and his time was drawing near. Hanna immediately dropped everything, quickly packed a bag and went to be with her dad. Thankfully, she arrived in time to have some conversation with him as he drifted in and out of awareness. Hanna, being a believer with a strong faith, began to pray as she held her dad’s hand. She prayed for her father’s eternity, knowing he believed even though he, like all of us, sometimes struggled. She shared with me that she wasn’t sure of the depth of her dad’s relationship with the Lord so her prayer was rooted in John 3:16 – For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.
Her prayer continued as she asked the Lord to please give her some assurance her dad would be spending his eternity in the presence of God.
Shortly before her dad lost consciousness, Hanna playfully teased him about his love for the Clemson Tigers and how he was always a loyal Clemson fan. She tearfully told him whenever she sees Clemson orange she will think of him.
When it came time to move her dad upstairs to a hospice room, the nurse told Hanna she would need to wait in the main area until they had moved and settled him in. The nurse told Hanna her dad would be in room 316…….Hanna paused and asked, “room 316 (3:16)?”
Hanna’s father peacefully passed early the next morning. Hanna continued to frequently see John 3:16 in various places, but the clearest message was received a week after his service.
One of Hanna’s dearest friends, Emily, had the day off and decided to spend the afternoon at the beach. After making a few stops and being delayed, Emily finally made her way to the beach. As she walked across the sand and began setting down her things, a stranger approached her. The stranger asked Emily if she would like a bible verse bracelet. “Of course!”, Emily replied with a smile. The stranger handed Emily a blue bracelet with John 3:16 written on it. She immediately thought of Hanna and the correlation of the verse. The stranger then reached deep into his pocket pulling out a Clemson orange bracelet with John 3:16 written on it……..then he spoke these words………”And here is one for you to give to your friend”.
The message couldn’t have been any clearer………
What an awesome God! How much our Heavenly Father must love us! The comfort and reassurance the Lord wanted Hanna to receive! How our God, who is the creator of the entire universe, moves among each of us, orchestrating the details, so we can receive Him!
If you are feeling like you don’t hear God…….tune in…….listen closer…….He is there. Or perhaps, unbeknownst to you, He is using you to be the deliverer of His message.
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! 1 Chronicles 16:11
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6
The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love, he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17
