A Whisper in the Night

Written by Gail Morris

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“For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose” (Philippians 2:13).

As a member of single women’s group at my church, I host Potluck in the Parlor on the second Sunday of each month. The week before one of these luncheons, I awoke in the middle of the night overcome with the thought on why women willingly pray for others but not for ourselves. Is it because we believe He knows our heart and we think there’s no reason to speak our desires? Do we feel our needs more insignificant than those of others? Aren’t the world’s problems bigger than our own?

Life Lesson: Biblical perspective on the end times
Experience It: Living in the power of the Holy Spirit

God nudged me to take action at the next Potluck. I should ask every woman what prayer she needed for herself — not for the family, friend or pet. The thoughts continued percolating in my mind during the week. I found my flesh doubting what the Holy Spirit called me to do. It’s such a simple thing, but did I hear Him or could it be some silly nighttime thought? His voice kept saying, “Just do it.”

The Sunday of our luncheon arrived. As I dressed for church, my doubts lingered. But by the time the Sunday sermon finished, I felt compelled. God spoke loud and clear. I needed to step out of my comfort zone and do what He laid on my heart.

Towards the end of the Potluck, I asked everyone for their attention. I told them that I wanted each of us to share a prayer request with the group. I explained what God placed on my heart. Several heads nodded. Two of the women’s eyes turned misty. I started the sharing at the opposite side of the group to allow these teary women a moment.

One by one, women divulged a personal need. They not only shared their needs but received sound advice from other women in the room based on their similar experiences. Encouragement filled the room. When we reached one of the teary-eyed women, she blurted out, “This is an answer to my prayer.”

Relief flooded my heart. I did what He asked in spite of my doubts and now I knew why. These women needed to share personal dilemmas with their sisters in Christ. It became obvious — God had the plan. I was only the instrument. At the end of our luncheon, one of the teary women told me that during the previous week she wanted to share her issue with someone. She told me she planned to ask me to stay for a few minutes after the luncheon.

Instead, God meant for her to share with everyone in the group. If she’d shared with only me, I couldn’t help her. I had no experience with her problem. Other women in the group were meant to share their experience and wise counsel.

God’s nudge made me a small part of His plan. It was a solid reminder — if the Holy Spirit instructs, I need to listen and obey. I shudder to think of the missed blessings if I chose to ignore His call when He whispered in the night.

Questions: Do you hesitate when God calls? Is it easy to obey his nudge?

TAKE THE NEXT STEP: Hearing God’s voice

About the Author Gail Morris

Tags: advice, blessings, comfort zone, Doubting, encouragement, Gail Morris, Holy Spirit, listen and obey, luncheons, Potluck, relief, single womens' group

7 Responses to “A Whisper in the Night”

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Sarah says:

January 21, 2011 at 4:39 am

This is true ,many times God whispersand we do not open our mouths to talk.May Giod help us /me to be doers of the wors not hears,amn.

Sarah Shalom
trisha says:

January 20, 2011 at 9:15 am

i rem a time, a few years back, when i went to pay my insurance bill. After i took care of my business,i left, got into my car knowing i only had 20 min to get to work. Just before i put the key into the ignition, God nudged me to go back inside. That week i had been studying the scripture,”obedience is better than sacrifice”. i tried to ignore it at first b/c of my time limitation. i put the key into the ignition when once again He nudged me. Again i internally said,”NO LORD, i don’t have time.” The next thing i heard in my spirit was,”obedience is better than sacrifice”. i took the key out and sat there. Time was running out and i didn’t even know WHY God wanted me to go back inside. Quite frankly, i became a bit annoyed yet removed the key, opened the car door and got out. As i headed back towards the building, my heart was racing out of my chest! i opened the door and stood there feeling like a fish out of water to say the least. The two insurance agents looked at me and one asked,”Trisha is everything alright? Did you forget something?” The next thing i knew i was asking for the owner of the company. They went to get him. He came to the waiting area and asked me if something was wrong. My response was,”can we go to your office and talk?” With a puzzled look on BOTH our faces, he led us into his office and offered me a seat. i was actually trembling at this point b/c i still didn’t know what i was doing in there! As we sat looking at each other, i finally said,”listen, i dont’ know what this is all about but all i can think of to ask you is, do you need prayer about something?” Well, as he sat there rather stunned, his eyes started filling up with tears. He then told me his wife was just diagnosed with cancer and he was in a great deal of pain over it. i then asked him if i could pray for him. He said yes so i got up, walked over, held his hand and prayed. He couldn’t thank me enough. To this day, i couldn’t tell you exactly what i prayed. The Holy Spirit was completely in control. i know it was a test of my obedience that day and was so glad i gave in to the nudging. Oh… and by the way…i made it to work in perfect timing. Thankyou Gail for bringing this back to my rememberance.
gfkdipper says:

January 20, 2011 at 8:36 am

This is a powerful one, Gail! I hope the others encouraged you to share as well. What a blessing it is for others to trust us enough to invite us to be one of their prayer warriors!
Robert says:

January 20, 2011 at 7:41 am

Thank you for sharing your experiences. I can relate.
Robin says:

January 20, 2011 at 7:01 am

What a powerful devotional. So true and so important. This part at the end has really tugged at my heart today:

“I shudder to think of the missed blessings if I chose to ignore His call when He whispered in the night.”

Thank you Gail, & it’s AWESOME that you were obedient to God! Hope does not dissapoint because the HOLY SPIRIT has been shed abroad in our hearts! Jesus will never allow us to be ashamed when in humility, we step out, firmly believing that HE would want us to!

Have a BEAUTIFUL day! :)
Julie says:

January 20, 2011 at 6:43 am

Thanks for the reminder we need to listen for His whispering in our hearts – great example!
Maryellen B. says:

January 20, 2011 at 6:10 am

I always question where the still, small voice is coming from. Is it my own desires or idea or is it coming from God? Maybe spiritual maturity will help me discern them.