I just experienced something I had to pause and write about.
It made me want to post on Facebook, asking if someone had just prayed for me. Because I was sitting there, working, and suddenly I had to stop, close my eyes, and listen.
I know that sounds weird.
It felt kind of weird, too — just this sudden interruption in my train of thoughts, a command to be still and know.
It wasn’t really optional to shut my eyes and listen — I had to do it.
I’ve honestly never experienced anything quite like it.
Today was a long, stressful day, filled with gut-wrenching accusations and rejections from someone I held dear, whose actions had me questioning one thing that I had long ago settled as God’s plan for my family. I had to ask for a lot of prayer today because I felt so overwhelmed and knew there were still obstacles ahead. I didn’t know how to clear them. Lingering doubt, fear, and a dozen other negative feelings were still churning in the back of my mind as I struggled to continually shift my focus onto my work tonight.
Out of nowhere, it was as if the Holy Spirit slammed a stop sign down in my brain and commanded those thoughts to be still. And they were.
And He spoke…
Kari, you know the right thing to do.
You know what I’ve told you.
You see what I’ve given you — it is yours! Go get it, unafraid.
Don’t be scared. Don’t worry anymore! I’ve got this.
Kari, I’ve got this.
And as quickly as it came, it was gone. I sat there quietly another minute or so, my face buried in my hands, just soaking in what happened, basking in a peace that truly passed my understanding.
Wow.
Just….WOW.
“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life” Phil. 4: 6-7 (MSG)
AMEN!