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I entered the chapel and headed straight to the same seats my friends and I had “claimed” for regular seating during the main conference sessions. My last session had ended early, so I was the first one to arrive. When I walked to my seat, I noticed a young girl sitting in the row my friends and I usually sat in, but the one in front of her was completely empty, so I went there instead.
Not really paying much attention to the people around me, I took my seat and saved the ones to the right and left of me, until my friends arrived. Once finished and settled in, I reached for my phone to text my friends I had seats and scroll through my social media. I was going to take a few minutes to catch my breath. I sent the text message and started to open Facebook when I felt the Lord prompt me to put my phone away and turn around.
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When I did, I could tell the young girl was not having a good day. By outward appearances, she looked fine, yet there was something sad about her. Her head was down and her eyes staring blankly at something on the floor. I introduced myself and asked her name. Once we exchange pleasantries I looked her in the eye and said, “Are you having a good time? Are you glad you came?”
She took a deep breath, tears were building up in her eyes as she responded, “That’s a loaded question.”
I smiled and reached my hand out to touch hers, smiled and said, “I am sorry, I don’t want to upset you, do you want to talk about it?” My heart went out to her and I said a silently prayer. “Lord help me to encourage this young woman and speak Your words of hope and life.”
She took another deep breath and went on to share she had spent a lot of money she didn’t really have to attend this conference, take time off work and all for what? To be disappointed. She went on to confess that she was looking to book a flight and leave the conference early and just go home. She didn’t know anyone at the conference anyway and no one would miss her.
“Ok, hold on a minute,” I said. “let’s both take a deep breath and you tell me what happened.”
She went on to explain she had meet with some people. Maybe they were agents, or editors or publishing houses, it didn’t really matter, and I didn’t ask. The point was whoever she met with had told her ideas were no good, they weren’t going to cut it, and she should come up with another idea. She was devastated, humiliated and just wanted to go home. Her dreams of writing children’s books were crushed, and her heart was shattered. My heart went out to her, I had been exactly where she was just a few short years before. You can read about my experience here (Click on the picture):
I knew this young woman needed some encouragement. She need life and hope breathed into the dry desolate places of her heart that had just been wounded.
This is why I wrote the book, The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement: Hearing the Words of God for Others.
I knew I didn’t know what to say to make her feel better, but God sure did. He knew exactly what she needed to hear that would cheer her up and give her hope.
As we talked, God gave me specific words to speak to her and He led me to share my journey with her as well. God also gave me a word of wisdom for her about how she could rebrand her idea and change the way she talked to others about the project she was passionate about. Her ideas were good. She just needed to change the way she talked about it to engage others and cast vision for the potential of her children’s books.
She shared she felt that God had specifically led her to come at this specific time to this specific conference, but it was not working out the way she had hoped it would. I told her I would continue to pray for her and that I had met some people earlier I wanted to connect her with. They might be interested in her idea. (Side note: Turns out, they were interested and my new young friend was hopeful again).
She smiled and thanked me, and asked if she could use the words and ideas I had shared with her. I said of course, they were God’s ideas anyways, especially for her. I was just the person who God sent to encourage her.
I turned around just as the session was about to start. I was glad I had listened to the prompting to put my phone away and turn around. I was blessed that God has used me to be an encouragement and comfort to this young girl. She didn’t know I was operating in the gift of prophetic encouragement, but she went away encouraged none-the-less.
This is what the gift of prophetic encouragement is all about. It’s exactly what Paul talks about in 1 Corinthians 14: It’s purpose is clear. To encourage, comfort, and strengthen those who receive it. And, it’s for ALL! This is a gift, that Paul tells us to eagerly desire. It is a necessary gift. It is a gift that can change the world and atmosphere around us. I believe that we can change the world one encouraging word at a time.
When we take time to hear from God, He will speak to us not just for our benefit but for the benefit of others. 1 Thessalonians 5: 11 calls to encourage and build one another up, and Hebrews 3:13 tells us to to do it every day.
Won’t you #BeTheGift of encouragement someone needs today?
Will you please consider joining my launch team?
Launch team application closes THIS Sunday July 15th
(No prior launch team experience is needed. You don’t even need to write a blog or have a large following. Just a heart willing to help, participate and engage in the mission tasks. It will be fun!) Click here for the application
As a member of my Launch team, you will:
- READ The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement in a timely fashion (you’ll have 3-4 weeks to do so. Books will be shipped around July 23)
SHARE about the book on your social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat) or with your team, small group, book club, or organization. (we’ll give you instructions about this)
SHARE about the book on your blog/website.
REVIEW the book (Most importantly!) Post a review on Amazon (Not until 8/21) and other retailers (Goodreads and BN.com, etc) on or before August 21, 2018 (release date).(it’s easy, fun and we’ll guide you through it).
GIVE FEEDBACK in our private Facebook group about the book and how it has impacted you!
TELL EVERYONE you know about the book as many times as you can. - RECEIVE lots of freebies and gifts from Debbie.
Thank you for consideration in partnering with me to share faith, hope, love, and encouragement with individuals by providing tools to equip others so they can hear God’s voice and be the gift of encouragement someone needs today. Reminder: Launch team closes this Sunday July 15th.
While there are other books about the spiritual gift of prophecy, mine is completely unique in challenging believers to be the gift of encouragement others need today. This book is written to give an interactive experience. Here are the book’s features:
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Teaching on the gift of prophetic encouragement
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Activation Prayers and Activation Exercises to take you deeper.
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Testimonies that will build your faith and increase your boldness.
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A profound foreword by Wayne Corderio
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Chapter questions for personal study or discussion
If the launch team isn’t for you, that’s ok, I get it. Instead please considering preordering my book and get in on all the bonus freebies when you do!
Last Weeks Top Clicked Post was by Debbie Wilson titled:
How to Experience the Kindness of God—When Life Stinks
If you haven’t had a chance to read it, I encourage you to do so, because life can stink sometimes, but that doesn’t mean we can experience the Kindness of God in the midst of it. Debbie had one line in that really made me stop, reread, and then repent: It was: “we miss God’s kindness when we dictate how it must look.” Wow, talk about hitting the bullseye, with some hard hitting truth. Debbie’s post will give you some fresh perspective as she looks at a few characters from the Bible to give us hope in times when things are tough. Thanks Debbie for your words and this great post.
Again Welcome and Thank you for joining me for #TuneInThursday it is an honor to have you here!
I have had a few people ask for a badge/button to display on your blogs. I would absolutely be honored if you would display it, or link back here in some way. Thank you!
Now let’s get this party started, feel free to link 1-3 posts:
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Do you wonder if God still speaks today? Do you wonder if He would ever speak to you personally? Do you long to hear the voice of God in your life?
Have your read other books on hearing from God, but long for hands on practical application? or are you looking for ways to move you forward hearing from God?
If you answered YES to any of those questions, then I have exactly what you need. I now have an online e-course designed to equip you in understanding that God still speaks today, and He longs to speak directly to you, through His word, and others. He longs to encourage you, strengthen you and comfort you. The training on this site, is fully based on Scripture, and taken from my training manual Releasing God’s heart through Hearing His Voice.
God is speaking, Can you Hear Him?
d2htrainging.com membership site is open, I invite you to check it out today, and develop a deeper relationship with the Lord, as you learn to hear Him speak to your heart.
Looking for other Great Inspirational Parties. Click Here to see where I Link-Up weekly.
Several Submissions have been featured at Blessed Transgressions, an Online Magazine:
Balancing the Warrior & the Princess We’re Called to Be
Trusting God When it Seems Illogical
Will You Sit with Me? (Jesus is Calling.)
My Post: #BeTheGift was featured here:
My Post “Climb Every Mountain” was featured in the August monthly link-up at : Life on Intention Link-up Party
My Posts: “Will You Sit with Me?” & New Mercies Everyday & Wait for it were featured here:
My Posts: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year & And So Do We! & Know Your Why & Jesus in Us! were featured here:
My Post: The Power of your Story was featured here:
My Post “What’s in a Name?” was featured here:
My Post: “The Journey through Change” was featured here:
Again, I have been know to link to the following Inspirational Parties:
Whew. Taking the risk of initiating a conversation with someone who is hurting when you know that you really don’t know what to say to encourage them is such a scary thing! I’m so looking forward to reading your book, because I need all kinds of help in daring to take this risk more often.
This week I was able to encourage a woman in my table group at Bible study. In fact, we changed didn’t get to all of the questions and instead listened and encouraged. My co-leader invited her to lunch this week. But encouraging people like you did here is a little intimidating for me. I need to let God reach out through me more often.
I LOVE this Debbie! This is so awesome, and exactly what prophetic encouragement is all about! It can be intimidating, trust me, I know all too well. What if they don’t receive it, what if I say something wrong… what if… I will be telling some of my own intimidating stories later in the weeks to come. I am so glad you stepped out past the feeling of being intimidated and encouraged the lady at Bible study! Hugs
What a wonderful story of God using you right where you were, because you listened. laurensparks.net
Thank you, Lauren! It is so fun allowing God to use me to speak life into others. 🙂
I am amazed and so impressed by the stories of your encouragement. I am sure the young woman you spoke to will never forget your act of kindness. Just another example of how we can hear the voice of God when we are still and quiet.
Thank you, Laurie! Yes, I am sure she will remember that day as much as I do. Whenever I step out to encourage others, I come away just as blessed, if not more so that the one I am encouraging. 🙂 Blessings
Another beautiful story, Debbie! Oh those crazy phones of ours; they too often steal our attention when there is a living, breathing need right in front of us. I’m thankful you were smart enough to put your phone down and speak with the girl instead. May we all do likewise today.
Thank you, Lisa! Yes, our phones can be a huge distraction. I aim to be purposeful when I am out with family or eating meals, but sometimes the lure of the phone still pulls me in. In agreement with you, may we all do likewise and put the phone down and see the needs right in front of us. 🙂
Oh, Debbie , I know how that is, I got a lot of rejection slips, even recently befriended an agent online who has published for people like Joyce Meyer but she doesn’t do children’s books.And then there’s expensive illustration fees that I don’t have the money to invest right now and I have lots of online artist friends, I haven’t approached them either. Truthfully, I am happy blogging and let Him heal some things in my life and His timing will be right. I am glad you are explaining prophetic encouragement,it is a topic people don’t understand. There is a lady named Rebekah Beene, who blogs and she said she went to a service and just went to the altar in the 80’s, to see what they would say, a lady told her she would write book and she has been ever since.
Oh Rebecca, rejection is so hard anytime, but especially when we put our hearts out there in our writing or other creative ways. I do understand that publishers can’t take on every project, but I think there has to be a nice way of letting people down. I do believe that when the tie is right, God will open the door. His timing is always best, isn’t it. Oh, I just love the testimony you shared about Rebekah – there is so much power behind a right on, now prophetic word. What an awesome testimony she has. I love it. I know that as you are obedient writing your blog, God will guide you and direct you where He wants you. Blessings
Debbie, what a wonderful story of being sensitive to God’s Spirit and being His ears and mouth to encourage His body.
Thank you, Debbie! Being sensitive to the Spirit is so important isn’t it? Sometimes, I am not as sensitive as I should be though. 🙂
It is all about listening to the prompting of the Holy Spirit isn’t it Deb! Praise God for His wisdom!
Jennifer
Yes Jennifer, it is all about listening to the Holy Spirit and doing just what Jesus did! Blessings 🙂
Debbie, I don’t know your view on abortion, but I just wanted to let you know that #42 in the link-up above (the “Lifenotes” one) is a post that criticizes Christian crisis pregnancy centers for “tricking” women into keeping their babies, instead of sharing with them all their “reproductive health-care options.” She is basically defending abortion on the grounds that pressuring women who are already upset isn’t loving, saying that “love others” is the highest commandment. (It’s not. It’s “love God.) Anyway, I am just notifying people who have this link on their blogs in case they don’t want to support that view. Blessings to you!
Blessings to you as well, Heather. I sent you a private email, but I do appreciate your heads up and am looking into the post. I am friends with the local director of CareNet (Crisis Pregnancy) in our area and I love what they do to help support women and in all honesty, young girls who find themselves in these situations.
I love that you were obedient to God’s nudging. I wish I had the time to be on your launch team. I’m afraid I would fall short.
I too have felt the nudge by God and had some really bizarre conversations that were not of me. I also have heard the pro ting and ignored it or let my fear get in the way.
Your book sounds amazing.
Thank you so much Maree. I appreciate you knowing your limitations and setting good boundaries for yourself. That is so important. I pray you will at least consider pre-ordering my book and after you read it, leaving a review on Amazon! Reviews are so very important to authors and an amazing gift. Plus, I have some great preorder bonuses. 🙂 lol
Anyway, I love you have stepped out when you felt the nudge, but just to let you know, there are plenty of times when I too ave ignored them because of fear. :/ So, you should totally check out the #BeTheGift FB group – totally free, not the launch team, but I ask questions, and answer questions surrounding the topic of my book, plus I give encouragement missions to help us all overcome the fear and step out. Here’s the link for you to check it out: https://www.facebook.com/groups/186569102010742/
I have been taking a graduate level class for the last month and we have to do “turn and talks” all the time. It has brought me out of my shell. Thanks for this.
Thanks for hosting and I hope that you are having a wonderful weekend.
Patrick – I love the idea of “turn and talks” what a fabulous way to help you break out of your natural tendencies. I love it. 🙂 I am so glad you are hear joining this linkup each week and Way to go with graduate classes! that is a huge deal and a big accomplishment
Being alert to the needs of others to hear some life giving words is such a gift!
Yes, Elizabeth it sure is. I appreciate you being here and commenting. thank you so much
Such a beautiful story! It is so wonderful that you were able to completely change this lady’s whole perspective of the conference by your words of encouragement. Such a God thing. It is so wonderful that He cares so much for each of us in this way!
Thanks for linking up @LiveLifeWell!
Blessings,
Amy
Thanks Amy. I was so very happy that I was able to change her perspective and feelings about the conference through one God ordained conversation. Blessings to you and thanks for the LivLifeWell! linkup opportunity 🙂
Rejection is so hard. I still am sad and disappointed when I submit a blog guest submission. Most of the time they are rejected but twice in the last year, those nos have led to some yeses. I am so glad that you were there for that young girl. Encouraging one another is such a gift. Blessed to be your neighbor at the Ra Ra linkup.
Oh Tara, yes, rejection is hard… even when you get some yeses in the mix. I am glad you keep submitting and don’t let those no’s stop you. I still get the no’s too, but it just makes me try harder and want to improve the next time around. I am so glad to have you as my neighbor today. Thanks for visiting 🙂
I love this story, deb – you listened and obeyed. those two things don’t always go together! (and i felt the same as that girl did – too bad you weren’t sitting in front of me!(: )
Thanks Sue. You are so right, the two don’t always go together and I have been guilty of not obeying more than once. I so wish I was the one sitting in front of you when it happened to you as well. Hugs and blessings 🙂
How beautiful, Debbie, that you were there and willing to be used when the Lord prompted your heart! I’m sure you were such a great encouragement to that girl! Thank you for linking up over at GraceFull Tuesday once again!
thank you Ronja! I am so glad I had the opportunity to bless and encourage her. thanks for the link up opportunity too 🙂 Blessings
This story is exactly why social media and our phones in general need leashes. We use them as a distraction from connecting with people around us. We are so quick to fill every empty pause with some electronic plug that we don’t stop long enough to let God lead us. I’m so glad that you listened to God and turned around to speak to that lady. She would have gone home discouraged and disappointed, but instead, God sent you to her! Let it be a lesson to us all about paying attention to those around us and let God guide us in being His ambassadors of hope.
Karen – I agree with you – modern technology and being always “plugged-in” is a terrible distraction. I have noticed that people become uncomfortable if they don’t have something to do or to fill silence or moments of stillness, which is not good at all. We need to learn the art of silence and stillness – just being in the presence of the Lord. I am so glad I listened to the prompting to turn around. I was grateful for the opportunity to minister to her and make her conference experience end different and on a better note.