seeds

If you came over from Encouragement for Today, welcome! I’m so glad you are here.

A friend called. She was in a hard season. I felt prompted to share a story with her. It was one I hadn’t told very many people because it was too tender, but I knew God was leading me to share.

Later that day I received an email from her.

Suz, that was exactly what I needed to hear. 

There’s power in sharing our stories, but can we be honest?

It’s also vulnerable.

What if no one listens? What if it’s the wrong thing to say? How much do you share? How do you know if it’s going to be helpful? What if we stumble over our words.

Do you know what freed me?

I finally allowed the Holy Spirit lead the conversation. 

He knows the person standing in front of me. He knows the details I don’t. He knows the heart and struggles that person is dealing with.

I don’t have to craft a specific message. I don’t have to make it special or extra-exciting. I don’t have to edit out the hard parts or make myself look like a hero. I don’t have to hide the beautiful, healing parts.

When we invite him into the conversation, something beautiful takes place.

We can simply live our life and share our story as God creates opportunity. 

There are two simple rules that are helpful when sharing our story:

  1. Listen
  2. Share your story, then let it rest.

It’s tempting to rush in. Allow her to tell you her story. Listen all the way to the end.

Once you share your story, let it rest.

It’s not your job to make something happen.  Your story is a seed. God knows exactly how to use it to encourage, lead, direct, or comfort.

Let him take that seed and water it in his own timing.

I’m praying for you today, that a part (or all) of your story will encourage or comfort another person. That you’ll boldly and gently let your story pour over that person’s heart as God does a good work with it.

Suzie

Resource

Perhaps listening for the voice of the Holy Spirit is a new concept for you. The Spirit-Led Heart: Living a Life of Love and Faith Without Borders helps you uncover ways to listen and respond to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Find a free chapter and other freebies on this page. 

I’m giving away a copy of The Spirit-Led Heart (plus some other free goodies) on my Instagram page. Check it out!