The other week, God answered my cry for help the day before I prayed it. I know, that doesn’t even make sense. But it’s true nonetheless.
I could pull out my theology handbook and argue about how God dwells outside of time, so this is perfectly plausible. If I was going to do that, I’d start with II Peter 3:8. And I might even convince you I’m right. But I am more storyteller than theologian, so here is my story.
About two weeks ago, I was feeling really down on myself. Believing the lies I hear whispered in my head whenever I even think about pushing into something new:
Nobody wants to read about pushing through challenges!
How can you offer anyone hope, when you struggle yourself?
You don’t have the right to talk about this, so just SHUT UP!
I recognized the spiritual warfare, but felt powerless against it. I couldn’t seem to take these rapid-fire thoughts captive, and they were overwhelming me.
I stuttered out a prayer, something like this: God, I just need to know one person is reading and encouraged by what I am doing. Just one person will be enough.
Clear as day, I heard another whisper, from a different voice.
I knew your need and answered before you even prayed it.
Then my conversation with someone from church the day before came to my mind. On my way into service, one of the ushers stopped me. She told me that while she was running the other day, a wonderful thought popped into her head. A thought that she knew would encourage so many people. Then she said it –
I need to write it down and send it to you. You are the one person I know who is the best at giving people hope.
I asked her to tell me more, but she had to get back to ushering. In this brief encounter, God answered my prayer for meaning, for hope, for encouragement, before I even prayed it. Then, he reminded me of his goodness when I prayed.
In that moment, I remembered who I was: a child of God, beloved of the Father, and armed with the full force of the trinity to battle these attacks. I became Neo – dodging the bullets of despair being shot at me.
Maybe you find yourself today in this same place. Wondering if God is paying attention to your prayers, or perhaps too busted to even get a prayer out.
My prayer is that this this snippet from my life will encourage you: God is always working, even if the timeline doesn’t make much sense. At least, that’s what my storyteller’s handbook tells me.
Love this, Chris! Yes…He hears and is working even BEFORE we ask. Love these incredible hugs from HIM!
You and me both Eileen. So timely, so tender, so wonderful
Great post Chris. Transparent, vulnerable. And the naysaying you hear is the same so many of us fight off. And I think the more we have the potential to free others, the more we get attacked. Keep going Chris, you have so much to offer this hurting world. So much.
I believe! I believe! Powerful story, Chris!
You are such a huge encouragement to me Anne. Thanks for cheering me on
These whispers of God’s love are so powerful, aren’t they?
Seriously Chris. Loved it.
I got chills. This has happened to me a couple times lately, God has answered a prayer I never prayed, or should have prayed. He is so good. And yes, you are giving alot of people hope, don’t you even think about giving up.
The thing that’s so crazy is that I KNOW I am giving hope to folks. Facts don’t always matter in moments like this, right?
Chris, I couldn’t even imagine you getting that discouraged. You’re an amazing writer with so much to offer. Yet, I know what you mean when God reveals himself before we’re even fully aware of our own needs. What a mighty God we serve. By the way, I love your new look.
I’ve been going through a tough season lately, so the voices of fear have really run me through the ringer. I will treasure your kind words, likely recalling them the next time something like this happens
I am so thrilled with this shift in appearance too. My friend Jesse Hoover really hooked me up with something spectacular!
Awesome story, Chris! I appreciate your transparency here–I know that I struggle with the same thoughts. Who am I to try encouraging others when my walk is all too often more of a stumble? Voices of the enemy to be sure. You’ve been given a gift and I, for one, am blessed by it!
I am a huge believer in the tenet that you can only lead through brokenness. I try to do that, so it means I share my struggles. I think it was John Wimber who said, “Never trust a leader without a limp.” Makes me think of Jacob wrestling with the angel and getting a blessing, but also a pain in his hip.
I really appreciate your encouragement. Thanks for letting me know my words are a blessing to you. I do hope this post didn’t come off as begging for kind words though
Very encouraging story. I feel like that on most days and you get way more comments on your posts than I ever do, so that should encourage you too. 🙂
Do you mean you feel the presence of God on most days when you write? It sure feels like that when I read your posts — so challenging, so true, so counter-cultural
Yes, I do. But it’s not popular, people don’t like it very much. But I’ve been reconciling that and just trying to be obedient despite it. I am thankful for your encouragement, Chris. Always have, always will. Blessings to you.
That gave me goose bumps Chris, I agree with her
glad to see you found your words again, buddy! keep sharing your message of hope and grace.
Thanks Christa. Gotta say though, you are pretty good at hope too. Certainly one of my faves
One of the things from the START conferences that brought me back from the brink was this: You are not doing anyone a favor when you don’t use your gift to the fullest.”
Chris, this is the kind of post I needed to read. Thank you. I’m fighting against despair for various reasons and, like you, I know it is a battle. God has also given me encouragement in different conversations and through seeing this theme on blogs all this week. Don’t give up!
No risk of me quitting. Fore the record, I always enjoy your comments. You give of yourself and risk, rather than the classic “Loved it!” type of comment.
Wow. Thanks, Chris! I just want to be real, and I love to see where conversations can go. 🙂 I also know my struggles and how encouraging it is to realize we are not alone and we often can connect with others if we just open up…sometimes very hard (ok, a lot of times!), but a great way to grow/learn. Glad you are not quitting!
No, it didn’t come off as that at all. Accept all of these comments full of encouragement as a gift–freely given out of hearts that have received encouragement from you. The sense of community in this blogging world is marvelous, yes?
What a perfect word — marvelous
Good stuff here Chris. And you’re right, God is always working, especially in the times when we our felt experience of Him tells us otherwise!
I am learning so much right now about how to trust God when I feel as though I am in a pitch black room
Man great stuff Chris. To know a God that’s involved in the smallest parts of our lives. That He cares for us much more than we’ll ever know but His willingness to meet us where we at in our weakness, brokenness and plain humanness. It’s amazing! Thanks for sharing. #dudewriters4ever
Ha — that’s probably the first hashtag in my comments. Troy, you are now famous!
In all seriousness, I agree with you The combo of a God who is enormous, yet cares for the smallest things in our lives, continually amazes me
wow, that’s powerful stuff, dude! makes me rethink how i’ve been approaching things. or, in other words, letting things fall through.
You and me both
“lead through brokenness.” how counter this brilliant concept is to our secular message of leadership: strong, confident, unwavering. in other words: perfect, which is unattainable.
i’d rather follow someone who admits to making mistakes and struggles than someone who tries to whitewash or gloss over such frailties.
those are the things that make us human and capable of so much.
Wow, Chris! I understand what it’s like to get discouraged – it happens to me a lot. Yet we know where the lies of “no one is listening, no one is reading” comes from.
Wonderful testimony of God’s faithfulness and of His desire to be a part of every aspect of our lives.
Blessings!
It’s hard to remember that every thought which comes into my head is not my own. Moments like this build a history of remembrance around this concept though, so that maybe someday I will learn
Hey Chris – you are doing something worthwhile and bringing glory to God. We know who doesn’t want that. BTW, I’m open for guest posts – would love to have you contribute sometime.
Great!