Hearing His Voice #104

Encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

The couple came to us, hoping we would hear from God on their behalf. They had listened for His voice too, of course, but members of the body of Christ are to minister to one another. So three of us, none of whom had met this couple before, asked God what He wanted to say to them. On the screen of my imagination, I began to see a sailboat spinning around in a whirlwind. Then God settled the wind and blew it gently. The boat sailed on calm waters in the direction it was pointed.

I described what I was envisioning and said, “I think God wants you to know that in this season of your life, even though you’ve felt like you’re spinning around, He is going to point you in the right direction. When things calm down and you are able to move forward, you’ll find Him to be the wind in your sails and the waters to be calm. You will go in the direction He’s blowing.”

The couple had, in fact, been searching for direction, and they were having a difficult time. Their world did seem to be spinning, and they could not figure out which way to go. On top of that, the husband had been dealing with vertigo for more than a year. God gave me an image that spoke to their situation at multiple levels—one they could easily relate to. He wanted to encourage them that the season of spinning was coming to an end. They needed to know they were not off track. He would lead them well.

Don’t be afraid to ask God to give you mental pictures that will encourage others. He knows how to speak through His people to His people, and He can do so in ways that powerfully address the concerns of their hearts. The Spirit knows our needs, and He inspires us to build each other up.

Holy Spirit, use the screen of my imagination to write Your will, impress Your thoughts, and draw Your pictures. Speak into the hearts of Your people through me.