When I minister at churches across the country, I usually share stories of how God leads us and directs our lives–sometimes subtly and other times quite boldly.
And when I’m praying with people at the end of the service, I often hear this, “I want to be led by God, but I just don’t hear from him. What am I doing wrong?”
My answer is always the same: "You’re not doing anything wrong–you’re probably just not listening. Stay tuned into God all the time, and you will hear from him. The bible says we should pray without ceasing, so do that. Keep that line of communication open 24/7. He will direct your steps because Proverbs 3:5-6 assures us of that.”
You see, God wants to lead us but we have to submit to him and actively seek his face.
It’s a good idea to pray this every day, “Father, I want your will in my life today and every day, so I am asking that you lead me and guide me down the divine path that you have for me. Don’t let me miss it, Lord. Help me to become more and more sensitive to your leading. In the Mighty Name of Jesus, Amen.”
When you pray that little prayer, expect to hear from God. He may not speak to you in that big, booming Charlton Heston kind of voice, but he will get his message across–sometimes in the most unexpected of ways. That’s exactly what happened to my daughter Allyson’s best friend, Wesley, last week.
A full-time college student, Wes also works nights for an electrician and for the past three months, he has been working at an elementary school in Southern Indiana. Every day he walks up and down the hallways en route to replace another light, passing many decorated bulletin boards along the way.
But on this particular day, one of the decorations on one particular bulletin board caught his attention.
Gerald the Giraffe had this to say: “If you find someone who makes you smile, who checks up on you often to see if you’re okay, who watches out for you and wants the very best for you, don’t let them go. Keep them close and don’t take them for granted. People like that are hard to find.”
Woven into Gerald the Giraffe’s observation was the exact confirmation that Wesley had been seeking. Wes shared this testimony on social media, and he gave me permission to share it with you.
He wrote:
I've been praying a lot lately, asking God for a little bit of guidance, and this little quote just struck a chord in my heart…I haven’t always lived my life by this, and I know for a fact that I’ve taken some people just like this for granted.
But thankfully our God is a God of second chances, and a lot of them have stuck around through everything. So next time God brings someone like this into your life, just remember what Gerald the Giraffe says.
Precious.
I’m sure that Gerald the Giraffe quote had been hanging in that same spot for weeks, but on the day that Wesley prayed for guidance about a particular situation in his life, God caused him to notice that quote, and it brought a sense of overwhelming peace and direction to his life.
I love that, don’t you?
If you’re truly seeking wisdom and direction from God, he will find a way to speak to you. Sometimes, a scripture you’ve read a million times will practically jump off the pages of your bible, providing the insight you need that very day.
Other times, God will cause your pastor to preach on exactly what you’ve been dealing with, causing you to wonder if that sermon was meant just for you. Still, other times, God will use a friend, a family member, or even Gerald the Giraffe to speak to your heart.
Just stay tuned into God, and he will stay tuned into you. With that kind of connection, you’re bound to stay on the course that God has for you. And, if you get off course, he knows just where to find you and exactly how to communicate with you in a way that you can receive it.
So, be aware of God’s leading and receptive to his guidance, and you just might have your “Gerald the Giraffe” moment today, tomorrow or when you most need it.
