In Jesus' Nameনমুনা

Right Where He Wants Me

I was excited about my upcoming trip to Turkey. Not only would I be traveling with an incredible group of God-loving, servant-minded people, but I would also be seeing new places and experiencing a new culture. Then fear set in. Concerns about my travels, where I was going and what I would be doing began to emerge. I had to know if I was going just because I wanted to or if I was being sent by God.

I spent the day with the Lord in prayer. I sought Him in Scripture, read my journals and reviewed prophetic words that had been spoken over me about going to the nations. I prayed until I had peace and a clear word from the Lord that He was sending me to Turkey on a kingdom assignment.

Early into the trip, I was once again assaulted with subtle (and not so subtle) thoughts from the Enemy. Had I heard God correctly? Was I following the leading of the Holy Spirit by being in this place? Was it the will of God I was following or my own? Once again, I turned to God in prayer, and this time I asked others to join with me in seeking the leading of the Holy Spirit until His peace and assurance returned.

Just before the end of the trip, we diverted from the itinerary and made a spontaneous “God-stop.” With my camera in hand, I began taking pictures of faces and places I would never see again. Later, when I downloaded the pictures, there was one that caused my heart to skip a beat. It was a picture of a young girl shrouded in darkness with piercing eyes looking right at me ... and smiling. Twelve days were reduced to that one moment. I knew instantly she was the reason God wanted me to go on this trip. A lifetime prayer assignment for this young girl was given to me by the Father. He sent me halfway around the world just so I would pray for her.

Philip was also given a kingdom assignment. In Acts 8:26–27 we read, “Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, ‘Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’ ... So he arose and went.” God was sending Philip to the desert to bring the gospel of Christ to an Ethiopian man. Because Philip obeyed the Lord’s calling, a life was changed for eternity. How many more lives could be changed if the ears of the Church became fine-tuned to the Spirit?

It doesn’t matter where you go, it matters Who sends you. God has kingdom assignments for each of us—times when we partner with Him in prayer and are guided by His Spirit. For God so loved the world, He sent His only begotten Son. For God so loved a young girl, He sent me.

Prayer lays hold of God’s plan and becomes the link between His will and its accomplishment on earth. Amazing things happen, and we are given the privilege of being the channels of the Holy Spirit’s prayer.
~ Elisabeth Elliot

Prayer

Father, thank You that when Jesus physically left this earth, He didn’t leave us alone; He sent the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us. I thank You that Your Holy Spirit is alive, active and available to all who welcome Him. Help me learn to listen to that still, small voice of the Spirit gently guiding me every moment. That way the Enemy can no longer attack me with fear or confusion, and I can complete your kingdom assignments with confidence, knowing I’m exactly where You want me to be. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Activation

• When you have a decision to make, take the time to ask God for His will in the situation.
• When you’re praying, don’t do all the talking. Be still, and allow His Spirit to talk to you. Make listening a permanent behavior in your prayer time.
• Pray with and for others, and listen for words of confirmation.
• Get in the Word.

Memory Verse

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5–6 (NLT)