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“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (NIV)

Heart racing, voice shaking and fearful I’d cry. I stepped onto the small stage and began speaking into the mic. And the words came …

I’ve been thinking a lot about how we often feel a prompting from the Lord to do something.

And sometimes we do it; other times we are fearful. And sometimes we do nothing because we don’t want to … asking ourselves, “Did He really say that?”

It brought me back to this moment.

A few years ago, I was in a large Bible study group consisting of 80-100 women (who were broken into smaller groups of 10). There was a morning when they asked if anyone felt led to share their testimony or speak on how God has worked in their life. I initially thought, “No way! I’m not prepared. I don’t have all of my thoughts organized. What will I even say? What if I cry?”

Then, these thoughts popped into my mind: “You don’t have anything important to say. Will anyone even care?” At that moment, I knew those were lies from the enemy. The truth was that I had plenty to share! In my darkest moments following my husband’s death on Jan. 15, 2015, the Lord was with me every single moment. He transformed my life of despair and hopelessness to a life, once again, filled with joy.

If I’ve learned anything through my journey of widowhood (I’ve learned a lot!), it’s that blessings come in obedience.

As my thoughts raced, I was reminded that this may not be about me; somebody in that room needed to hear what I was going to say. I do have a story of the Lord’s mercy and faithfulness, and all of the prayers I have and continue to pray are that Michael’s death and my pain would not be in vain.

That day, I felt the Lord’s prompting and listened. I may never know the impact my partially-put-together words had that day, but I trust the Lord. Even if my testimony helped just one lady who was struggling, I’m OK with that.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

When we feel the Holy Spirit but ignore the Lord’s calling and aren’t obedient, not only can we miss out on what He has in store for us, but we could also miss an opportunity for the Lord to use us to work in someone’s life! As Christians, we are called to be light and Disciples of Christ!

Christian author Steve Pemberton puts it this way: The Lighthouse Effect is the idea that ordinary people, immersed in the business of their own lives, wrestling with their own struggles and imperfections, can touch the lives of another.

In the Book of Luke, the Lord gives us an example of obedience and being a blessing to others.

Jesus asked Simon Peter if he could use his boat as a floating platform to address the people who were gathered. And he said yes. This was just a small act of obedience, but it paved the path for blessings. The people could hear Jesus’ words more clearly.

And, later, when Simon Peter said yes to Jesus again, when He told him to cast his nets into the deep water (after Simon Peter had been fishing all day and caught nothing) … Peter’s obedience resulted in an abundance of fish, which was beneficial to all who were with him that day.

The Lord’s blessings in our lives and the lives of others often show up as a result of our obedience.

Being vulnerable and sharing our life experiences, even the most horrific–including widowhood–can touch the lives of others. Sisters, we have the capacity to follow where the Lord is leading and be a lighthouse.

“He replied, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.’”
Luke 11:28 (NIV)

Lord, help us to follow where you lead. Though sometimes it doesn’t make sense to our earthly minds, remind us that you are sovereign and are always working for Your glory and our ultimate good. Use us, Lord. Help us to say “yes” to you so that we can not only be blessed but also be a blessing to others. Amen.