Nudges: Don't Ignore Them

Nudges?

Yeah, you know, those little inklings you get to do something. They can be somewhat easy, or they can take you way out of your comfort zone. No matter whether they come as quiet urgings or a heart-pounding prod, promptings of the Holy Spirit should never be ignored.

The other day I was walking around our block when I passed a woman in our neighborhood. I knew her daughter had just given birth to a preemie, and I stopped to ask how things were going. She described how incredible it was that the baby had made it and was slowly making progress in the NICU.

After we parted, I started praying for the family when I got the distinct impression this baby’s life was a miracle and that God was going to use her birth to do a spiritual work in the mother. This was followed by a second nudge: “Tell the grandmother.” But, Lord, I hardly know her. She’ll think I’m crazy. I don’t even know if her daughter knows you... Okay, Lord. If this is from you, let me see her again before I get to the top of my driveway. Wouldn’t you know, as I turned the corner fifteen minutes later, guess who was coming toward me!

I wasn’t even tempted to rationalize my way out of it. My request of if this is you, Lord had been answered clearly. So, I stopped her again and told her what I’d felt. She didn’t look at me like I was a religious fanatic. I spoke. She listened. Then we went our own ways.

Responding to the nudges of the Lord doesn’t always feel comfortable or easy. And flashing lights indicating their future impact are usually absent. I’m glad Cornelius followed the directive to ask the apostle Peter to come to his house. I’m glad Peter was willing to stretch far from his comfort zone to respond. Otherwise, the door to the gospel may not have been opened to Gentiles like you and me today.

Friend, be faithful in following the nudges of the Holy Spirit. You never know the ripples you might set into action.

Holy Spirit, help me to pay attention to your lead in my life. I seek your wisdom and guidance in all that I do. I know you can use me to do great things. Help me be ready to obey. In Jesus' name. Amen.

What would your life look like if you were completely available to God? Following Christ was never meant to be a spectator sport. Living all in for God is a lifestyle of radical commitment. Are you ready to see what the abundant life is all about?

Additional Resource: This devotional is an excerpt from Becky's devotional book called Keep Your Lamp Burning: Devotions to Help You Reflect God's Love, Our Faith, and Purpose.

^{This was republished with permission from the original author.}