“WOW, what great memories you have with your dad in his final days!
My friend Keith’s dad passed away this past December of cardiac arrest. He was 84. Up until his passing, his overall health had been good with no visible signs of a sudden decline.
In early December, my friend felt a prompting to visit his dad, and he did. Here is some of what he shared with me, “I felt God leading me to go visit him. We had the best time together. We went to NYC, had lunch with my son; plus, I helped him put up his Christmas lights. A week later, he died of cardiac arrest. “
God’s nudge is a mysterious happening, right!? I wonder how many times I have missed his gentle prompts in favor of my comfort or an “I’ll get around to it” attitude.
Since my friend updated me on his father’s passing, I have felt the need to send a couple of emails, make at least 2 phone calls, and encourage some co-workers going through tough times.
Good for me, right!? Well, no, not really. I do not think for a moment that by sharing my recent good deeds with you earns me “bonus-points” with Jesus. In fact, I may risk losing my reward because I did share it with you. In Matthew 6:1, it says “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise, you have no reward from your Father in heaven”.
But here’s what I do know, it felt good to be less “self-focused”, and to be more aware of those around me. These small acts of kindness or care “felt” like His leading and I am glad I did it.
When we act on these divine prompts, we often find ourselves stepping out of our comfort zones and connecting with family and friends in profound, and perhaps, life-changing ways.
“The Lord said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.’ Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’” – 1 Kings 19:11-13
My friend concluded his email with these words, “Never doubt God’s nudge. It was the Holy Spirit of God telling me to go see him on random days in early December. He was a friend and mentor. My best. We shared life. God gave me a wonderful father”.
So, how is God leading you today? An email or phone call? Perhaps it is that visit to a family member or friend that we promised we would “get around to doing.”
Do you have a story to share with us about God’s leading has impacted your life? Please share in the comments below! We’d love to hear it and be encouraged by your experiences.
Dick Whitworth
Director of Operations, STAR 99.1
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Wow Amen to that! I am always keeping an eye out for God’s signs!
Thank you and God Bless you!
This is so true!!! My mother just died on Valentine’s Day. She was in the hospital then a nursing home for quite some time and the day she passed something told me to go sit with her early that morning. She was unresponsive but I just sat and held her hand, told her I loved her and that it was ok if she was tired fighting to let go. That we would be ok and that she could rest and be with my father. I left after 2 hours and told my two sons to come back with me In the afternoon because I had a “feeling” that this might be the last time they would see her alive. So they came back with me to see her and while we were all sitting around her talking she took her last breath. Never ignore that voice inside your head prompting you to do something. I am so grateful I listened that day.
God’s perfect timing! Right before reading this I felt a general nudge from God to take action. This just reaffirms His direction to do his will. Thank you for sharing this story.
Thank you so much for sharing . My brother who is a P A in NJ has a villa in “ St John “ as hard as it was to get the family together for a reunion , we did it in October 2013 we had the best time ever . However my oldest brother Arthur 57 yrs old passed away of a drug overdose in November 2013 on Thanksgiving morning .
Till this day we are so happy we were able to truly enjoy our time together 4 yrs prior we lost another brother Alan he was 51 same thing same drug . We lost our mom in 1979 she was 42 of lung cancer so my brothers couldn’t cope I do have another brother Lester who had the same problem but ty Jesus he will be clean 5 yrs this November we are so proud . Thank you for listening