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Lenten Devotions

Day 23: Written by Jane Nicol

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“But people who aren't spiritual can't receive these truths from God's Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can't understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.”  1 Corinthians 2:14

It is common for us to reflect upon ourselves during the Lenten season. The question always comes to mind, what can I give up or what can I do, to bring about greater change in myself?  If we listen intently, the Holy Spirit will prompt us into action.

There are many examples throughout the Bible where God speaks through the Holy Spirit to ordinary people, challenging them to move forward in directions they may not have ever considered for themselves; or may have been putting off until the timing was right for them. Promptings bring about change, change we don’t always welcome, but ultimately that which draws us closer to God.

Promptings come as ah-ha moments for me. As insight, or even what I call a revelation. Prompts or messages don’t always move me to immediate action. Sometimes, I need time to prepare myself, set myself up to receive.

Five years ago the Spirit moved in me to give something up, understanding this would bring about great changes in my life and for those around me. Working on God’s timeline is not always an easy task. Especially when we can’t see or understand the final outcome.

The particular prompting was one that moved me into sobriety. In May of 2012, I surrendered control, putting my trust in God, allowing Him to lead, not knowing the final outcome. God’s promise to never leave me stood true.  I could have never have imagined the outpouring of God’s grace on my life.

The chains were broken; I’d been set free. In God’s loving arms I was transformed. As others watched God’s goodness unfold, my mess has become a message of hope for others.

Daily, I celebrate, not only my sobriety, but also the promptings of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is what moved me to take the first step.

God’s goodness overflows in our lives when we are obedient to His prompts. In March, I will be following another prompt, by giving my testimony on joy at a women’s retreat. Imagine the joy and praise I will share of my journey with God.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit and its prompting to move me into action.  Forgive me at times, for my stubbornness.  Letting go, moving into the unknown can be frightening. Thank you, for holding my often-trembling hand every step of the way. Continue to make me aware of the changes I need to make in myself that will move me to serving You, full of trust and faith. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

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