Feel the Nudge?
“I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 1 John 4:35b NIV
Perplexed, I stood in the book aisle wondering what would be the perfect retirement gift for the head of our public relations department. He was a crusty, old journalist with a newspaper background. But he had the heart of a teddy bear. I was a relatively new Christian and I wanted to leave this man with words that would change his life.
I scoured the shelves and tables of the Christian bookstore for hours. All the while I prayed that the Lord would lead to just the right gift. When you’re a perfectionist, it’s sometimes hard to hear the Lord. Eventually, I wound up in front of the same book I had looked at several times. The author, I’m ashamed to admit, was unfamiliar to me. The writer was a man, so that was a plus for the book. The title was intriguing, “A Twentieth Century Man,” and as I scanned the pages, it appeared to have details that would grab my boss’ interest.
“Is this it, Lord,” I asked, hoping to hear a definitive direction. There was an nudging to purchase this book but I can’t say that I ever felt confident about my inclination until later.
Back at the office, we had a small luncheon for our retiring director, and days after he opened his presents at home, he came to my office. That was a rarity. He stood tall as he leaned against the fiberglass- filled divider and with delight in his eyes he thanked me wholeheartedly for the book I gave him.
“Malcolm Muggeridge is my favorite writer,” my boss responded with as much enthusiasm as was possible for this old journalist. He avidly followed Muggeridge, a journalist like himself!
“He wrote the book about Mother Teresa,” my boss filled me in. Something Beautiful for God.
When that moment passed, I was stunned and elated. Stunned that I really had heard the Lord in that bookstore aisle. Stunned because I had no idea how much this book would mean to my boss. Stunned that the director of Public Relations came to my office. And elated that from all impressions, this book was about to change a crusty old journalist’s life.
I had not thought about this incident of how the Lord directed me until this past week while reading a devotional that mentioned the Bristish journalist Malcolm Muggeridge and his interview with Mother Teresa. The message was about losing our life only to gain it in Christ. Muggeridge is quoted as saying:
“There is much talk today about discovering an identity, as though it were something to be looked for, like a winning number in a lottery; then, once found, to be hoarded and treasured. Actually,…the more it is spent the richer it becomes. So, with Mother Teresa, in effacing herself, she becomes herself. I never met anyone more memorable.”
It was after his interview with Mother Teresa, that Muggeridge converted to Christianity from a wildly secular and liberal-leaning life. This book included his conversion and new outlook on life and faith.
Muggeridge’s books can be found through Google and his quotes can be found at Good Reads. One that applies to our nation today can be found here. However, I have not found that gift book I gave my director, whom I’m sure is in good company with his favorite author, Mother Teresa, and the Lord.
So, remember to ask the Lord’s direction for even what seems like the small things in life. And if you feel a nudge, go with it. You never know how the Lord may want to use you.
“Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.” John 4:37, 38 NIV
Thank you all for your prayers for my eye surgery. The surgery went very well! However, I am having that black, crescent-shaped line in the right eye now as well. The good thing is that I have noticed the one in the left eye fading somewhat. So there is HOPE!!!
From My Heart to Yours,
;
<$BlogFeedsVertical$>
<$BlogItemFeedLinks$>
What an inspiration. I love your story. Yes, assurance that God really cares in every aspects in our lives and that He can use us if we are willing to hear and obey. Dropping by from Spiritual Sundays. My entry” Home again” is ftom : joysnotepad.blogspot.com
Beautiful story! God has a way of directing our footsteps – every step of the way. I’m reminded of the scripture, “In ALL thy ways acknowledge Him…..”
May the God of all grace manifest His healing power in your eyes. He that hath begun this good work will see it to completion!
Janis – What a beautiful story! How very true that we need to follow those nudges & not second guess. I also love the photo & Scriptures you included in this post. I am especially grateful for the change in seasons this year & how our God reminds us through the seasons that harvest does come.
I am glad that you surgery went well. May God continue to bring complete healing to both eyes in the days ahead!
Have a blessed Sunday!
I do so enjoy getting the name of a new to me author! Looking forward to learning more about this fellow!
Dear Janis
I am so glad your eye surgery went well, my friend! I have often heard of Malcolm Muggeridge and have read quite a few of his quotes, but never realized that he was a journalist. Yes, dear friend, when our Pappa is aware of every single strand of hair on our heads, I cannot think that there is anything about His children that He is not concerned about. I am sl glad about this book you bought for your director for I know the joy when our gifts are something special to the receiver!
Blessings XX
Mia
A wonderful post…thanks for this reminder 🙂
Wow! This makes me want to go out and read the interview he did with Mother Theresa! Thank you so much for sharing this!
Hi Janis,
What a wonderful blessing that God lead you to the perfect gift; a blessing not only for you but your boss as well! I am not familiar with Malcolm Muggeridge, but intend to do some research! 🙂
Blessings sweet friend; continuing to pray (and praise!) a quick and successful recovery for your eyes.
Denise
A wonderful post, and I so enjoyed it. We are wise to listen for the whisper, and then to always respond.
GOD BLESS!
(Glad to hear that the surgery went well. Prayers for continued healing).
Janis…Your post is reminding us that God is always working through us and around us. It is funny though that I had never heard of Mr. Muggeridge until recently. One of my favorite teachers, Ravi Zacharias, just did a two part teaching on him. Then, you bring him up here. I will have to research him a little more I think. Thank you for sharing at WJIM’s Monday’s Musings.
What an inspiring story and reminder on how we do need to follow the whispers from God and ask for conformation that it is indeed from God. I bet it is an amazing book. How can it not be with Mother Teresa? I love gifts that can change our life.
I love those Holy Spirit nudges. And I understand the whole perfectionist thing. It can make it hard to hear Him and obey because of the constant second guessing. So glad you got such awesome confirmation!
I”m praying now for your continued healing. That is a wonderful story.
Just a coincidence? Not a bit. A nudge a thought? How about a whisper from God? Yes, for sure.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story of being led by His spirit in your gift selection, with us here at “Tell Me a Story.”
Hi Janis! Thank you for your introduction to Muggeridge. I knew about the book on Mother Teresa, but not about the author. And isn’t it just wonderful how God will lead if we will listen?
SO happy to hear about your successful surgery. I will keep praying for you, in hopes that the black line will fade in both eyes. And that you will continue in the hope and faith that it will happen!
Happy Halloween!
Ceil
Hi Janis, wow, I love it when one takes a step in faith and listens to that still voice of God. Not only did your boss have joy in your purchase, so did you in that God gave you joy for your obedience. I love how He works. Great post
God bless
Tracy
A beautiful story and good to know about Malcolm Muggeridge. So sorry your eyes are not yet back to normal. I will be praying for you.
blessings and love,
Debbie