Hearing His Voice #27

O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.

Psalm 139:1

She saw the guy in the back row and heard something in her spirit: “Caleb.” Was that actually his name? Did he remind her of someone she used to know named Caleb? No. She was sensitive enough to God’s ways to know that seeing the man as a “Caleb” was a word from God, a timely illustration of something going on in this man’s life. So she walked up to him later and said, “I’m sensing from God that you are like Caleb in the Bible. You see the giants in your life, but you have no reason to be afraid of them. God is calling you into a promise, and you have enough faith to go, no matter how intimidating the path seems. You are called to ignore those who say it can’t be done and to take your mountain by faith.”

The man was moved to tears. As it turns out, he had been sensing God’s call into a new endeavor and yet had encountered obstacles. He had been reminding himself that God was with him. But, as most of us do, he wondered if he was on the right track. He needed confirmation. The woman who saw him as a Caleb gave it to him.

That’s one way to hear from God and speak His encouragement into other people’s lives. The woman didn’t say, “God told me,” and then prescribe direction for his life. She simply sensed a message from the Holy Spirit and shared what she had heard. If it didn’t apply to the man’s life, no harm done. But it did, and the man was greatly encouraged and strengthened to pursue what he had been hearing from God.

Don’t be afraid to share what you are sensing from God. Do it in humility and in a way that doesn’t try to dictate God’s will. Let your Spirit-inspired insights encourage and strengthen others. This is how He often speaks to His body.

Holy Spirit, give me insights that build up Your people, and give me the courage and humility to share them well. Use me to speak Your words and to represent Your heart.