When God speaks in stereo

Have you ever experienced the phenomenon that I like to call, "God talking to you in stereo"? This has happened to me on many occasions where I will hear the same topic talked about in church, on christian talk radio, at bible study, and it may even be a topic randomly brought up by a friend.  Currently I am experiencing such "stereo",  but it is a topic unlike any before. It's on the topic of abortion.

Now, abortion has been a hot topic in the Christian community for a long time, but I have never been more aware of this issue then I am right now. Interestingly enough, it wasn't even me who identified the "stereo", but it was my husband Brent who brought it to my attention. His comment regarding this made me realize two things. One, that my husband really listens to me when I ramble on about my day. And two, I need to seek the Lord and open my heart for what He is preparing me for.

Although I have never had an abortion, I know many women who have. I probably know several women who have had an abortion and who have never told me, or for that matter anyone. Tonight I sat and prayed with my three beautiful girls for the thousands of women who live with regret and shame over the decisions that they've made in this regard. We prayed for the young girls who are currently finding themselves contemplating this possibility. We prayed for the healing of broken hearts, broken bodies, and broken spirits.

I am so thankful that we have a Redeemer who is close to the broken hearted. He saves those who are crushed in spirit. I'm so thankful that even in our darkest hour we can trust in Him instead of leaning on our own understanding.  You see topics like this force me to become increasingly aware of the fact that every decision that we make effects more people then we know. Our joy, our pain, our laughter, our tears......our choices, they effect people.  When we say things like, "It's my life, I'm not hurting anyone else.", that is simply NOT true.  Doing drugs, getting drunk, having sex outside of marriage, gossiping, watching porn, lying, having an abortion; these things effect the lives of everyone around us.

I'm not sure where the Lord is leading me on this journey we call life, or why this difficult topic keeps coming my way, but I am commited to learning from my mistakes, to growing as I go, and to tuning in when the Lord is speaking to me in stereo. He has promised to never leave me nor forsake me, so, I'm holding on tight, ready to go where He leads.

Lead on sweet Lord, lead on.

Shifting Gears

Have you ever had one of those days, when you think that you know what direction that you are headed, and then all of a sudden something happens that makes you rethink everything? The funny thing is, if I really think about it, it's not as if this one thing is really the center of it all. The Lord speaks to us gently, slowly, preparing us for change, but we don't always see the writing on the wall until it is right in front of us screaming, "This is it!!!"  Still, it's not always easy to switch gears.  Some things are easier than others. Truthfully, when it's just me, I can generally switch gears on a dime. But when it effects my kids or my husband, well, that's another story.

So, today I am seeking wisdom. Wisdom from the Lord, wisdom from my friends, and at some point, I hope to be able to process with and seek wisdom from my amazing husband. Tonight I wait, seek and listen for the still small voice of the Lord. He is generous and trustworthy to lead me where I need to go. He knows my needs and the needs of my children. Jesus says in Matthew, "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." I want that!!! Whatever decisions I make and whatever gears I need to shift, I want His yoke. I want to learn from my gentle Savior. In Him there is rest. In Him there is not fear of "messing up", or "choosing wrong".

I guess in the end there is this. Thank you Lord for this day. Thank you for the opportunity to trust you. Thank you for the freedom to choose but for the desire to seek direction. I am open to your leading, so lead away.  AMEN!