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As I sat in the fast food place waiting for my group to arrive, I noticed a young man. He appeared to be agitated, or maybe he was strung out, I wasn’t really sure which. He was pacing back and forth and talking to himself under his breath. He got in the food line to place an order but kept looking toward the back of the store. I wasn’t sure if he was looking for someone or to avoid someone. Then just as abruptly as he got in line, he left. I thought to myself this was the strangest behavior I had seen in a long time.
My group began to arrive one by one and while we were talking with each other about our assignment, I noticed this young man again. He came rushing back into the food court area and was again standing in line to place an order at the counter. I didn’t really give it much more thought until the elderly gentleman from group leaned forward across the table and nodded his head toward the kid and whispered, “I believe he’s your treasure.” I knew exactly who he was talking about, I didn’t even need to turn around to know the elderly gentleman was referring to the strange young man I had been watching. The group and I were on a treasure hunt assignment. We each prayed for clues as to who God would send us to and what they might need prayer for. We then met at this particular location to look for the individual treasures.
Can I just be real for a minute? I didn’t want to talk to this young man. I had made a judgment about him while I observed his behavior. He was a young man in his early twenties with his baseball cap on backwards, an oversized long baggy shirt that was at least two sizes too big, his pants were hanging down past where they should be, and his boxers were showing! I was also afraid. Not afraid of him, but afraid he wouldn’t talk to me. Afraid he wouldn’t listen and that he would reject me and the message I felt God had sent me there to share. I made this confession to elderly man and the rest of the group. While they understood how I might be feeling they encouraged me that he needed Jesus just as much as the other people God had sent us there for that day.
Don't let #rejection from others stop you from stepping out to share what #God has placed on your heart Share on X
I knew they were right. This young kid matched all my clues. He was carrying a backpack, wearing jeans and had on the color of shoes I had written down. There was no mistaking God sent me to pray for this young man and speak words of encouragement over him.
I waited until he made his purchase and I approached him cautiously. I asked if I could share some things with him and told him that he was God’s treasure. He looked at me like I had lost my marbles, but he agreed to listen. I began sharing why I was there and how I knew he was the one I was supposed to talk to and pray for. I shared prophetic words of encouragement with him and then asked if he had a specific prayer need he also wanted me to pray for.
#GodAssignments sometimes involve: beer, profanity and a praying grandmother. Share on XHe shared with me that he was only three days sober and he had come to the store to buy alcohol. He went on to share that he was fighting with himself the entire time. He only had enough cash for a few beers, but had decided to buy food instead, then he changed his mind. He went to the back of the store and stalked up and down the beer isle and had a moment of strength, came back to the food counter and spent all his money before he could buy the beer. I brought this young man back to the table so the elderly gentleman in our group could also pray for him. We could all tell he was touched by the ministry he was receiving, but all of a sudden, he started swearing and said he had to call his grandma right away and left quickly. We were all shocked at his reaction and had just started talking again when the kid came running back to our table. He said his grandma wanted him to apologize for his language and she wanted him to thank us for praying for him. She was a believer and had been praying for a long time for her grandson to be set free from his addictions and encounter Jesus like he did when he was a young boy.
#God frequently has assignments for us to accomplish of which we are often unaware. Share on X
I thought I was there that day on assignment to fulfill a requirement. I realized then, I was on assignment, an assignment from God. God had sent me there that day, to put courage into this young man, by speaking words of encouragement and life. I was there to share God had a plan for his future by speak words full of hope and encouragement.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)
There are many individuals around us that are just like this young man. They are someone’s, child, grandchild, or family member, but ultimate, they are a child a God. He loves them as much as He loves those of us who have chosen to follow Him. God wants to send us on assignment to those we meet on a daily basis. Will you make yourself available?
What assignment does #God have for you today? #GodAssignment Share on X
This weeks Spotlight Post:
Heather over at becoming Press asks us writers a tough question, NO wonder it was last weeks top clicked post. She also has a weekly link-up on Wednesday’s called #WRITERWEDNESDAY
Head over and check out her post. Let her know I sent you, leave her a comment and join her weekly linkup.
Welcome and Thank you for joining me again 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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Debbie Kitterman is a natural born encourager who is on fire for God. She is passionate about equipping individuals, so they can go deeper in the relationship with God, reach their God-potential and claim their Kingdom inheritance. Debbie is a wife, mother, author, pastor, speaker and the founder of “Dare 2 Hear,” a ministry that trains individuals to hear the voice of God. She travels to churches internationally and is the founder and teacher of d2htraining.com, an online course designed to equip the believer in releasing God’s heart. Her writing and teachings inspire faith and build bridges for people to believe and expect the impossible. She is also an ordained Foursquare pastor, currently serving with her husband, John, as senior pastor of Restoration Church in Lacey, Washington. Learn more at: www.debbiekitterman.com
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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! & Know Your Why & 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 Post: The Power of your Story, The Reluctant Encourager and #TeamJesus were 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:
Deb, as a Mom to two prodigals I’ve prayed for Holy Spirit to send people like you and your group to my boys. Thank God for people like you. Give us all the holy boldness Lord to be obedient to even “such as these.” And, please tell me what color shoes the boy was wearing.
Susan, the prayers we pray as moms, parents, friends, family members are so powerful and open doorways for the Holy Spirit to get to our loved ones. 🙂 and the shoes … well, electric blue! not just boring blue, or a navy blue – but loud audacious blue ! There was no mistaking he was the treasure I was sent on assignment to find.
Wow, you were definitely way outside the “church lady” comfort zone, but that’s right where God wanted you in that moment! Blessings to you!
Michele – I was SOOOO out of my comfort zone, even for this little outside of the box church lady. LOL But you are right, it is exactly where God wanted me to be! I am so grateful to have been a part of what God wanted to do in this young mans life.
Hmmm… was it coincidence that I would read this today? I think not! This morning during my writing time I got the idea I should write to a person from our community who went to jail about 8 years ago for child molesting. This was a person, who years ago, attended church and actually was an employer for my husband at a time when he needed a job. I was thinking, “But Lord, what in the world can I say to him? I never knew him very well before he went to jail, what can I say now.”
But you’re right. He is somebody’s son and a creation of God. He must be reached.
Jerralea, don’t you just love how God has a way of bringing things along at the perfect to confirm things to us. I am so glad you found my article today, just when it would speak the most to you. Blessings.
You were such a blessing to this troubled young man. God put you right where you needed to be!
Laurie, it was my hope and prayer to be a blessing to this young man. I am glad I stepped out of my comfort zone that day to do what God was asking of me.
What a cool story! I love that you walked out your call in obedience (even though it felt uncomfortable!) Thanks for sharing — but more than that, thanks for listening to God!
Thank you Rebecca. Looking back it is a very cool story, but truthfully at the time I was so fearful and uncomfortable, but once I stepped out – I felt a great boldness and peace.
Wonderful! I’m so glad you shared, because it encourages the rest of us to ACT upon God’s nudges!
One day I was leaving the library and saw a man muttering and swearing and he turned out to be parked next to me. I buckled my little one into his car seat and felt the “nudge” but I was scared about this man’s behavior. I started my car, in case I needed to leave quickly, but I opened my door and through the man’s open window asked if he was okay. He was surprised that I spoke with him, but in doing so he instantly calmed down, told me the problem, and I was actually able to help him! If I had left he would have driven off angry. I’m so glad when I hear and obey. Your story encourages me!
Janine, thank you so much and yes, I pray my story does help others to act upon the smallest of nudges from God. I love your story too! What an encouragement for us all to take the time to respond to the promptings of God, no matter how scary or even unsure we are. Thank you so much for sharing this today, your story encourages me greatly too. Oh and I love how you were smart and started your car in case you needed to get outta there in a hurry lol
What a wonderful tale of the faithfulness of God when we are obedient to Him. Thank you for sharing. laurensparks.net
You are most welcome for sharing Lauren and thank you. Yes, a lot of lives change when we are obedient and faithful to respond to God’s promptings. 🙂
Debbie, such a powerful story of obedience and divine appointments…and divine assignments. I understand how the young man’s appearance and actions might make you hesitate, it certainly would me. How amazing the Lord used you and the group in his life. Not only to answer his grandmother’s prayers, but also to send God’s messengers with His message. My husband, a pastor, likes to say, it’s when a willing witness meets a seeking soul. 🙂
I don’t know anything else about him, yet, I just whispered a prayer for him…praying he finds Jesus and then receives his ultimate healing.
I’m so enjoying your weekly articles and joining the link-up. Blessings!
Thank you, Karen! I your husbands saying: “When a willing witness meets a seeking soul!” it’s SOOOO Good and So True! Thanks for your prayers for this young man, wherever he is, I pray that he does indeed find Jesus and receives his healing. Thank you for being here and linking up each week. Blessings to you.
Thank you so much for hosting again this week. You always do so much for bloggers! Have a relaxing week! I am off to see some posts. Looks like a lot of inspiration tonight.
Thanks Marilyn. 🙂
Thanks for sharing this story! It also reminds me how much grandmothers can influence their grandchildren’s faith walk. As a grandma too, I hope to be able to be one my grandchildren can call whenever feeling they need help and prayer.
Thank you Lynn! You are so right, as parents and grandparents we can affect the faith walk of those we pray for. It is a powerful thing. I know my moms prayers are a huge part of who I am today. Blessings and thanks for being here today.
Debbie, this is a powerful story that is honest and encouraging. I’ve been mulling over it again and again since I read it on Thursday morning. Pinning and tweeting it, friend!
Thank you so much my friend. I so appreciate you letting me know how much you are encouraged by it an also thank you for pinning and tweeting too! <3
God works in amazing ways. He was your treasure, and I am sure his grandma thinks of you as his treasure, as the Lord you to answer her prayers. A beautiful example of how much God wants to be at work in each of our lives. We just need to be available. Thanks for sharing this!
Cheryl, yes God does indeed work in amazing and mysterious ways. I so agree, this testimony shows just how much God wants to work in our lives. Blessings and thank you for leaving me a comment over the weekend.
I love reading stories like this. That young man won’t soon forget about his encounter with a God who pursues!
Kelly, I pray you are right and that this young man walked away knowing God will chase after and pursue him!
God help me to be alert and aware and obedient!
Amen!!! I am in total agreement with you as well Elizabeth! 🙂
Very lovely. My kids are the only thing that people will remember me by on this Earth. I prayed that I guided them decent so that they can make the right decisions and I contiune to pray for them every day.
Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
Thank you Patrick. Our kids our are legacy, aren’t they?! I am sure that you have guided them decent and well. Thank you for being here each week. Blessings
Such a great moment and story! Thank you so much for sharing your bravery! I admit I would have been quite nervous, but wow, at what he was going through and what God led you to do!
Thanks for linking up @LiveLifeWell!
Blessings,
Amy
Thank you Amy! I am often nervous too when yet, I know God is calling me to step out and be a blessing to others and that is what goves me the courage to do it afraid or even nervous. Blessings to you too 🙂
I love reading all of your stories like this. They’re so inspirational and encourage us all to be brave and step out in obedience to God, even if it may not make sense. It’s always harder to step out when it’s possible someone else can see our “mistake.” Thanks for sharing to help us be brave and for letting us see a glimpse of God working miracles in people’s lives. #LiveLifeWell
You are most welcome Jessica. 🙂 Just so you know, I to need the testimonies of what have happened in the past to help me overcome current opportunities and to be brave in stepping out in obedience. You are so right, fear of making a mistake or of what others will think can often holds us back from fully being brave to step out 🙂