Episode Transcript
Acts 1:8
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
CONSIDER THIS
Today's Holy Spirit story comes to us from Ray S. Hughes. He is a retired athletic director and a legendary coach for the Aucilla Christian Academy in Monticello, Florida. As you will see, he is also a man of God. I have known his son Ray C. Hughes for the past twenty years or so as he came through Asbury Seminary when I served there as dean of chapel. Ray C. pastors the Foundry Methodist Church in Houston, Texas. I was thrilled to see this story come over the wire last year and am delighted to share it today. Below, you will read the story in his own words, and, if you listen, you will hear it in his own voice.
Philippians 4:6 (Living Bible translation):
“Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers."
Sometimes we are praying so hard for what we want, that we fail to listen to God’s direction and answers. Listening to His words and acting on them are just as important as prayer itself.
When you have a close relationship with the Lord, He will communicate with you in a variety of ways. Sometimes it is through prayer, Bible reading, scripturally based sermons, interaction with other Christians, and nudges. Sometimes His words are audible, while at other times they are only quiet words spoken to your heart.
In my lifetime, I have been aware of the Lord speaking audibly to me on four separate occasions. One of those times was when I was praying one night, and the Lord told me to “Go see Marie.” That got my attention because I was praying about something entirely different.
Marie was an elderly woman who was very spiritual and who deeply loved the Lord. I knew Marie because she had worked for my family during my younger years. It had been many years since I had visited with Marie. Following my prayers, I got busy and did not go see Marie.
The next night the Lord told me again to "Go see Marie" and this time it was a stronger push. I remember saying to myself that, “ I MUST GO SEE MARIE.” And I did go to her home the next day. I found Marie on her couch with an amputated leg. I could immediately tell something was very wrong as there were pots all around her house to catch the water when it rained. She said her house had been leaking for days and she had been praying for the Lord to help her. She shared that she had a cousin who worked for a roofing company, and if the materials could be provided, he would fix the roof, but she had no money to buy the materials.
At that time in my life, I did not have the extra funds to purchase all the needed materials; however, God led me to discuss the situation with my brother and sister. They also wanted to provide aid to Marie, and we were able to meet Marie’s needs by splitting the cost three ways. I think it was as much of a blessing to the three of us as it was to Marie.
I have often wondered what would have happened to Marie if God had not sent me a second message and if I had not responded to His words. Seeing His plan carried out reinforced my strong belief that we must listen and act on the words of God when we are in times of prayer.
THE PRAYER
Father, thank you for this powerful story of your persistent and particular care for people; in this case for Marie. Thank you for the way you persistently prompt your servants to be emissaries of your care; in this case Ray. Train us to hear your voice. I confess to you today my own openness and willingness for you to prompt me in the interest of someone you want to help. I will be ready to go. Praying in Jesus's name, amen.
