I needed to hear from Him.
You know me by now and you know that I would probably rather make a joke or listen to your story than admit that I am living a story that confuses me.
I reached a point this week where, even though I wasn’t pursuing it wholeheartedly, I knew what I needed most was a word from God. I wanted to hear Him and at the same time, I didn’t.
I feel confused enough today, I thought, I don’t need to add attempting to hear God in these complicated situations. [By the way, this is messed-up thinking. Don’t agree with me. I came around. Just keep reading.]
So I sulked. So I sat in my own confusion and wondered if I was capable to do all these things that were on my plate. Work stuff, boy stuff, future stuff, weight stuff, so. much. stuff.
I drove my car to a local coffee shop called Frothy Monkey, my mind spinning. By the time I pulled into the driveway, I knew for sure- I wasn’t capable. It was too much.
My friend Ashley was leaving Frothy Monkey and she approached my car. She pulled something tiny out of her pocket and placed it in my hand. She said, “Annie, I just wanted you to have this. I prayed and felt like this was for you.”
I looked down and in my palm was a stone heart and engraved was the word ABLE.
I turned it over and over, massaging every rough spot of stone, and actively trying to control my tears.
Even when my heart was too stressed, too worried, too nervous to listen to Him, He spoke. Clearly.
Reminding me that I am able. That nothing He has put before me is more than I can handle [with Him right beside me, of course]. That I am always on His mind.
My plate isn’t less full. I haven’t figured out any of the stuff previously listed. But I have this heart to remind me — I am able.
And so are you.
Leave a Comment
Hannah says
Thank you, Annie! Starting into this day I was already overwhelmed with my own plate and tempted to procrastinate by surfing the net… I am now incouraged to face the day and my uncertain future and all the difficult chores together with the one who is able. So I’m gonna shut down the computer right now and get to it! 🙂 Be blessed!
Kimberly says
I love when the Lord speaks so clearly to us, and especially when friends are obedient to pass along the message! I wonder how many times He wants me to encourage someone else? I pray that God’s word would take deep root in your heart Annie. Thanks!
Kelly Langner Sauer says
I have a friend who prays “wherewithal” for me. God gave the word to her. On my worst days, I remember. It quiets me.
Bindu says
Annie,
Definately needed to read this post today…thanks friend..praying for you too. 🙂
Bindu
Kim says
Annie, so many times your blog entries speak directly to what is going on in my life. I am awake at 8:24 AM on a vacation day (incredibly early for me on vacation) reading this because I reached a point where I knew I needed to hear from Him right now. And since my focus has been so off, I turned to my devotionals and blogs to hear Him more. Thank you for sharing what God has done in your life and how He has shown you that He is able. I really needed to hear it today. Praying for you and all on your plate.
deidra says
This is beautiful. Reminds that it’s in my weakness that His strength shines bright and brings me through…carries me, even.
Suzann says
Wow. I love to hear things like this.
We are all able through Christ who strengthens us.
Stacey Dawn says
Great post – so needed to read these words. Able. I am able. With Him, I am able.
Thank you.
jakki says
Very on time…thank you.
Connie says
Thank You for this today… I needed it… I REALLY REALLY NEEDED IT! God knows…today… I needed to be ABLE.
Holly says
Exactly what I needed to read today! Thank you!
Britt says
I was feeling like I couldn’t get through this day! Today marks 3 months since my daughther, Ella Grace, was stillborn. I am sitting at work with my inbox overflowing and I can’t concentrate on anything except the whole in my heart and the knowledge that I “should” be HUGE pregnant right now. I needed to hear this. I am able to make it through this day. Not on my own strength, but on His! Thank you!
Marla says
God is faithful…
Pamela says
I love, love, love when He speaks that intimately. Grace filled moments of Him. mmmmmm.Peace.
Shannon says
Love it. I think it’s so easy to forget that God speaks to us, not always in direct conversation but also through actions of loved ones and experiences we have day to day.
Mrs Tina says
Thanks for sharing this with us…I find this to be so true, in myself I am unable, but in God I am able because He enables me!…blessings
saii says
These words were for me 🙂
I needed it so badly….
Debra Weiss says
How beautiful! Don’t you love those moments when God stops us just to whisper a word in our ear? I sure do. 🙂
Deb
Elizabeth@LongToLove says
I love how God’s word for you can evolve into a word for so many other hearts desperate to hear from Him as well. God never ceases to amaze me!
Thanks for sharing your heart, Annie!
Monica says
very cool! 🙂
KrisDot says
Wow, this made me tear up a little! I’ve been in the exact same boat and I think this post is my ‘able’ heart! Thank you, Annie!
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