Every time I'd get comfortable, God would say, "Let's learn something else."

(Once, years ago, I was in a crowd and someone came from behind and touched my shoulder to get my attention. Feeling something spiritual happen from head to toe, I immediately had to turn and see who it was that touched me. It was so awesome, I never forgot it. The only explanation I know of is that his spirit transferred to mine.)

Again, God sent me with a message to another lady, before church was to start. This one wasn't even a really big deal. It was just something she needed to be informed of. But, she had a crowd gathered as she stood gabbing about weather. I waited patiently for at least 10 min. and it was almost time for church to start, still not having gotten her attention.

I asked God what I was suppose to do. He said, "Remember touch? Now it's your turn. Reach up and ever so gently place your hand upon her shoulder, then wait for her response."

The lady finished her sentence, turned around and spoke to me in such a spirit, I think my knees almost melted. She ministered to me in such a miraculous way, I was in awe. Her speech instantly moved from insignificant to spiritual. It was so wonderful that I turned to see if anyone else had seen it. I almost said out loud, "Did you see what God just did!?!" But, they didn't see. The crowd had vanished. They'd missed a blessed opportunity to witness Power of a Touch.

In big ways and little ways, I began practicing things I'd learn. Whenever I couldn't remember someone's name, which was most of time, if I so much as tapped their shoulder, they'd greet with an instant smile. I'd say, "Hi", to people on street - something they hadn't heard since years gone by (unless they'd visited South). I'd look to notice little things, in letting others know their ministries were appreciated.

There's a verse that says giver receives greater blessing. I found it to be very true, as these people would begin ministering to me! And, as someone would begin to care about them, they were in turn multiplying seed by caring about others. My youngest daughter once said, "Mom, that is so weird, walking up and talking to and helping people you don't even know." Could it be that this very thing of encouraging others could even be contagious on streets? I don't know, but people are a lot kinder in our local stores than they were just a few years ago. I never was able to be an encourager in same way that others were. But, God didn't call me to be someone else. And with each new step, I learned something wonderful about God.

Next, He sent me to a visitation training program. Then I knew God had lost His mind! But, I'd already promised I'd go wherever He called and I'd already gone farther than ever imagined. (I didn't say I didn't dread it though.) But, much to my amazement and appreciation, God didn't make me learn all perfect quotes and memorizations. I didn't have to practice how to intimidate other people with scripture. I failed course, was accused of not submitting to authority, and was asked to leave class. God never promised there would be no pain. But even amidst a hurt greater than I had ever known inside a church, not even good enough to serve God, He gave me a very special promise. The words He'd written upon my heart, He would bring to remembrance whenever I needed them. God had something different in mind for me to learn ... how to minister, looking to needs of their heart. In my weakness, God became my strength. And, I finally learned to speak by taking Baby Steps.

God doesn't call equipped. He equips called. I Co. 1:27-31

© by Joyce C. Lock

http://my.homewithgod.com/blessingsandlessons/ http://www.aspecialplace.net/ChristianityMadeSimple/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeavenlyInspirations-originalwritings/ http://our.homewithgod.com/heavenlyinspirations/heavenlyinspirations-intro.htm This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits in tact, for non-profit ministering purposes.

http://my.homewithgod.com/blessingsandlessons/ http://www.aspecialplace.net/ChristianityMadeSimple/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeavenlyInspirations-originalwritings/ http://our.homewithgod.com/heavenlyinspirations/heavenlyinspirations-intro.htm This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits in tact, for non-profit ministering purposes.