Lord, give me eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart that loves – a big prayer – one I pray often for myself and others. On the surface it might appear somewhat general in nature. What or whom are we to see, hear or love? Why ask?
It’s about living on purpose…
I am convinced, backed by personal experience, that if I ignore God’s purpose for my life I will make a mess of my story. I have not always prayed for direction, waited for a response and acted on it. Truth. I have not always sought His will. How did that work for you Maggie? you might ask. Not well – a subject for another time.
Living on purpose includes being keenly aware of our surroundings. We are not called to see + hear + love it all however. Think about it. That would be overwhelming. How could we possibly process it all?
Recent travel perspectives…
I just returned from a road trip from Central Florida to the Speak Up Conference in Grand Rapids, MI. My road buddy Belinda (aka Bea) and I had a thirst for the open road – our first road trip together. As I like to say it was yet another learning experience. Flying would have been simpler. Next year. On this adventure I got a glimpse of what she sees, hears and loves. She has a passion for nature – took pride in naming the various vegetation along the way. Her heart for the hurting was evident when she stopped to pray with a lady – a stranger – in a convenience store. A state trooper wannabe, she pointed out driving infractions along the way – not just mine by the way. Loves her Jesus and in fact called out to Him on several occasions “Oh sweet Jesus help me!”
Bea and I are similar, yet not the same. For this journey, I was to travel my thoughts. It was all about eliminating distractions and stepping away from the day-to-day. I missed most of what she saw and I was good with that. My prayer, Lord give me eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart that knows your purposes for this road trip and conference. Open to His plan, He swept me off my feet.
My takeaways…
- Receive all that I have for you, says the Lord. Normally on the giving end, I was humbled to experience His love poured into me through relative strangers. There were no assignments for me other than to let Him love and lead me through others. I was not in charge!
- God is about to bring change into my life. What to do? Reminds me of driving on wet roads – that moment when your car begins to hydroplane. Steps to follow (modified to fit my story):
1. Understand what’s happening. God is about to bring change.
2. Stay calm, enjoy the ride and listen for His instructions.
3. Ease your foot off the gas. Let this life change (skid) run its course.
4. Steer in the direction God leads you to go.
5. Brake carefully. You have arrived at your place of new beginnings.
Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” ~ Isaiah 30:21 NKJV
Hydroplaning as well? Do you sense that God is about to bring change into your story? Jeremiah 29:11 assures us that He has plans for each of us. I invite you to be open and willing – to ask to see, hear and know His plans. May you find the courage to let go and allow the Lord to lead you through your puddle of uncertainty. The outcome will amaze you!
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 NKJV
Maggie Sabatier-Smith
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