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I settled back into the seat with a sigh of relief. It had been a fun yet restful day, but I was tired. As we drove home, I was slowly drifting off to sleep. We had just left the fun Caribbean beach resort where we had played on the beach, swam in the pool, wadded in the ocean and lounged around most of the day. It had been the perfect rest in the middle of a very busy ministry trip to the Dominican Republic.
I was sandwiched in the back seat with the kids and my missionary friends where driving. We had stayed long past when we planned, and it was now dark, and near the kids’ bedtime. Our stomachs made it known that we had eaten a long time ago, so the decision was unanimous to drive-thru Burger King on our way home.
As my friend pulled up to the drive thru speaker to place the families order, he asked what I wanted. It was hard to know since the menu was in Spanish and I couldn’t really read it, but I trusted him to order me something good.
The kids were now talking a mile a minute so it was hard to really rest. Instead, I leaned my head back against the seat and began watching the stars pop and shine across the sky. The moon stood starkly contrasted against the dark night sky softly glowing yellow and orange.
We pulled up to the window, paid and waited to collect our order. As we were sitting there my friend who was driving said, “I’m going to do it, Debbie. I’m gonna step out and give this girl an encouraging word.”
I sat straight up. He had my attention now. I was excited. My missionary friends had invited me down to teach their church and ministry school students how to discern the voice of God and to step out in speaking words of encouragement to others. Now, the husband wanted to put into practice what I had been teaching.
“What are you going to say? What did God show you about this young woman?” I said.
“I don’t know, I really don’t. I just know I have to step out, I have to be willing to bless this young girl.”
“Okay,” I said, “Let’s pray and ask God to show us what she needs.” So we all prayed. When the prayer was over, we all said Amen and I asked, “did you get anything?”
“Well, uhm, I saw the moon, and feel like I am supposed to share that picture with her and pray God fills in the rest.” he said.
Early that week I had shared about young Samuel hearing the voice of God for the very first time. (1 Sam 3) I challenged everyone, that sometimes we have to step out in faith and respond to what we feel God is asking us to share. Once we do, then He fills in the rest.
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Let me just say, I know just enough Spanish to get myself into trouble with people thinking I can understand what they are saying. However, it’s not enough to really carry on a conversation or follow a fast moving one. Because this beautiful young woman was clearly Dominican, she didn’t speak great English. I could tell my friend was sharing about the moon because I understood his words “La Luna.” His wife had turned around and was trying to whisper a translation in English, so I could follow along, but with the kids and the tight space it was a little difficult, so I had to wait.
I was now sitting on the edge of my seat leaning forward, so I could attempt to hear what he was sharing and see woman’s face as she leaned out the drive-thru window.
The whole exchange took only 3-4 minutes, but by the time we were handed our food, this young girl was clearly grateful and in a cheerful mood. She kept saying …”gracias, gracias…” over and over even as we were driving away.
I looked at my friend, to his wife and then back to my friend as they were speaking in rapid Spanish. I looked to the kids, and then said, to know one in particular, yet to everyone “can someone please tell me what just happened!”
They all laughed and finally told me what just happened.
My missionary friend began sharing with the girl at the window, while she waited for our order to cook. He mentioned to her that he had noticed the moon, and felt impressed that she was afraid of the dark and didn’t even like to notice the beauty of the moon, because it made her anxious. She just looked at him wide-eyed with her mouth hanging open. He then asked if what he shared was correct. She continued to stare right at him. Finally she responded and said, that what he said was all true. She indeed hated the night and was terrified of the dark, and had been since she was a little girl. Even now as an adult women, the fear was still there, and she didn’t know what to do.
My friend explained that he was a pastor and asked if he could pray for Jesus to deliver her from her fear of the dark. She agreed and so while we waited for our burgers and fries, he prayed that God would deliver her from fear and that she would be able to enjoy the beauty the night had to offer. He also quoted Psalm 91:4-5 to her and wrote the reference down on a piece of paper and told her to read all of Psalm 91 when she could get a hold of a Bible.
He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day, Psalm 91:4-5
As we drove away, we all knew she had just encountered God, not a distance idea that someone had talked about, but a real living God. Maybe for the first time in her life, maybe not. But this time, her encounter left her knowing that God knew exactly who she was and what she was going through. She encountered a loving God that cared abut her and wanted her to be set free from fear.
This is the gift of prophetic encouragement in action. It is simply paying attention to those around you. It involves stepping out to share a timely word of encouragement straight from God’s heart with others.
This is why I wrote the book, The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement: Hearing the Words of God for Others. Jesus modeled exactly what it means to operate in the gift of prophetic encouragement. As Christ followers, He is calling us to do the same.
About The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement Book:
“The gift of prophetic encouragement is a necessary gift, one that the Church is in great need of during these last days.”—from the foreword by Wayne Cordeiro, president, New Hope Christian College; author, The Divine Mentor
The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement demystifies the spiritual gift of prophesy by explaining what it is, what it isn’t, and how God longs to breathe life, hope and healing into the lives of His children through the gift of prophetic encouragement. In a world that is so quick to focus on the negative, The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement is a breath of positive perspective straight from the heart of God for His children. Debbie repeatedly rests on the truth that God wants us to encourage one another, and she has done that from cover to cover. You will come away gently convicted, encouraged and ready to encourage! — Dr. Michelle Bengtson Neuropsychologist; International Speaker; Author of the award-winning book, “Hope Prevails: Insights From a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression”
While there are other books about the spiritual gift of prophecy, The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement 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:
- Teaching on the gift of prophetic encouragement
- Activation Prayers and Activation Exercises to take you deeper.
- Testimonies that will build your faith and increase your boldness.
- A profound foreword by Wayne Corderio
- Chapter questions for personal study or discussion
Top Clicked Post from last week was “When you Don’t like God’s Plan” by Debbie Wilson:
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: The Reluctant Encourager was featured here:
My Posts: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, And So Do We & Jesus in Us! were featured here:
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 were featured here:
My Post: The Power of your Story & The Reluctant Encourager 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:
What an inspiring story! It just goes to show that we need to have the courage to take that first shaky step. I am sure the young woman at the Burger King was thankful that your friend did.
Thanks, Lauren. Yes, it’s often that few seconds of courage that propels us forward past our own fears, isn’t it? Yes, they were both blessed indeed. Thanks for being here today. 🙂
I pinned your great quote about encouragement, and seeing all the Instagram photos of people getting their books in the mail makes me eager for mine to arrive! The mail is slow to arrive here, so I’m camping out by my mailbox if anyone needs me . . .
Oh, thank you so much Michele! You crack me up – I have camped out near my mailbox plenty of times for things too. LOL I am excited for you to get a copy of the book too. I will check on the status and get back to you…. 🙂
I am so enjoying hearing all about your God encounters with others. laurensparks.net
Lauren, I am so glad you are enjoying all my stories and God encounters. I love sharing them too 🙂
He never ceases to amaze me.
I feel the same way, Rebecca! Thanks for being here today.
Such a blessing that God gave your friend and the girl the message she needed to hear from Him. It’s amazing what God is willing to do for us when we’ll just ask in faith.
Lisa, yes, it was a blessing to both of them! Yes, it’s amazing and I love how God comes through when we activate our faith! 🙂
Oh, YES, God does still speak through his believers, and this is so encouraging to He chooses to do through obedience and faith. It’s also a humbling challenge to listen much more for God’s prompting. This just stirs my heart!
Crystal, I am so happy to hear that this stirs your heart. I am pretty passionate about it too. 🙂 You are so right, it is humbling and challenging all at the same time. Blessings
I loved the encouragement in this post Debbie!
Jennifer
thank you Jennifer 🙂
Love this Debbie!! Such a great example of your theme and what I am guessing is in your new book. So often the Lord gives us a little nudge and we turn aside and don’t realize the opportunity He wants us to walk into OR we do have a sense, but fear holds us back because we fear we are wrong or the person will think we are crazy. Great points throughout!!
Thank you so much Pam! Yes, this is exactly the kind of content that is in my new book. I am excited for you to get your copy soon. I have so been there too with the thoughts of what will this person think, or I might get it wrong, but if I can get past the moments of fear and step into the moment of courage, God meets me. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment today 🙂
What a beautiful experience. The night has always been my friend as everyone quiets down and I can hear myself think and spend time with God. I feel sad that she hasn’t had that experience in her life.
Oh Calleen – Me too! I used to be a night owl. I would get out projects to start as everyone was heading to bed. 🙂 The house was quiet, I could think and just be me. I know what you mean by feeling sad, I often wondered what might have happened to her during the night to make her so fearful, but I believe she was feeling different by the time we drove away from the drive-thru window that day. thanks for being here
Debbie, what a beautiful example of God at work. Loved reading it.
Thank you, Debbie.
I love the story of this encounter. To be willing to let God love people through us is the key!
Thank you Elizabeth, and I whole heartedly agree. GOd’s Love flowing through us to others is so key 🙂
“It involves stepping out to share a timely word of encouragement straight from God’s heart with others.” Debbie, this is so encouraging. We really do need to step out when we feel the Holy Spirit nudging even if we don’t quite know what to say. He will give us the words we need. I’m your neighbor at #TeaAndWord this week! Blessings to you!
Thank you so much Gayl! Yes, we really do need to step out when the nudging comes, but I am guilty of letting moments pass me by on occasion too. I am so glad to have you as my neighbor over at Meg’s 🙂 Blessings
Such a beautiful post and a heart gripping verse! Thank you so much for sharing this and your book with us. I am loving it! As I work through the questions and chapters I am learning more and more about myself and my heavenly Father. He is so good to us!
Thanks for linking up @LiveLifeWell!
Blessings,
Amy
Thank you so much Amy! I love how God is showing you more and more about yourself as you work your way through. That encourages me greatly and truthful it is my hearts desire that everyone comes away with their own revelation of how their life can change as they follow in the Masters footprints 🙂 Blessings.
Love this story, Debbie! Thanks for sharing it. It shows everyone can do the same thing if we pay attention.
Thank you, Jarralea! Yes, everyone can do the same thing, we just need our eyes open to it. Blessings
What a great story God gave you to tell, Debbie. He is always giving us opportunities to share His love and encouragement with those around us. I’m so glad this young lady was blessed by your friend’s faith to step out and step up. Blessings to you and praying that we will see the divine appointments God has for us today!
Thanks for the invitation to join your linkup. I look forward to becoming a part of it.
Amen Connie! I am praying in agreement with you, that we will all see the divine appointments God has for us today and everyday! Thanks for coming to visit and I look forward to having you join the community for the link-up. Blessings
Wow – just wow. The thought of stepping out and talking to a stranger like that…makes me gulp. Just talking to a stranger is hard, let alone me starting a conversation. I’m glad I read this today, though. Maybe one day I’ll be able to do that too.
[Your neighbor at Tell His Story. :-)]
Welcome, Ashley! I sometimes still gulp, but I have learned to step out past the fear that might try to stop me. I hope you will come back tomorrow and linkup your post and tomorrow, I have a guest post, her words and thoughts may just help you be able to make that “one day” be sooner than you think 🙂 Blessings
Wow, Debbie! What an amazing story! I love the power of a timely word spoken to the encouragement and blessing of others! How awesome that the missionary pastor followed the prompting of the Holy Spirit and put your teaching into practice that day! LOVE it!!! Thanks for sharing with #BVN!
Thanks Christin! I love being a part of the amazing things God is doing – this one was particularly fun and awesome to watch God minister to this young woman through my missionary pastor friend! Thanks for stopping by from BVN to read and comment 🙂
Hi, this post gave me goosebumps. It is so awesome that your friend was so attuned to the Holy Spirit. Thanks for sharing on the #LMMLinkup this week.
Hi Mary! thank you so much for stopping in and reading. I so appreciate your sharing with me how it made you feel when you read the post. God is good isn’t He! Blessings
When you share these real life examples of prophetic encouragement, I see how God is moving and the need for your book. We have no idea how being the gift fr someone else will impact them. I’m praying for your book as it gets ready to launching the world and for you as you persevere through these last few days.
Thank you so much Mary – It is my hope in sharing these stories, that others will see that the gift of prophetic encouragement is in fact very normal and life giving. Thank you so much for your prayers of perseverance for this last push and looking ahead to release. 🙂 Blessings to you Mary – Thank you so much for being a support to me. <3