Do you ever have those days when you wake up raring to go? You have your sights fixed on accomplishing a ton. You may have even set your priorities in what you think is a Godly way. But then the Lord whispers in your ear and wants to take you on a different path. Do you immediately follow His lead or choose to ignore God’s interruption?
My Plan for Productivity
I awakened the other day with quite a productive mindset. Now I know for me to get lots done; the best way is to start it with God. So I started with my usual routine: read my daily scripture and journaled a prayer to the Lord. Now I use the T.R.U.S.T. acronym, which you too can download here. However, when I got to S – Sit still with God, I began trying to hear what I wanted the Lord to say.
When God’s Interruption Doesn’t Make Sense
Nevertheless, God’s message came through, “Maree, take a walk with me.” However, it seemed to be an absurd, unexpected request. So I ignored it. After all, this was going to be a productive day, not a leisure day. God’s interruption didn’t make sense, especially in light of the fact I had already made God my priority first thing this morning. Why would He want more?
As I sat down to begin tackling my long list of things to accomplish, God kept whispering in my ear – “take a walk with me.” Now I love walks but not today. After all, I had checked off the box – time with God. Plus, my back hurt, it was cold outside, and my daughter had seen a snake in the neighborhood. Pretty valid excuses, wouldn’t you say?
God’s Interruption
But God kept nudging, repeatedly, “Maree take a walk with me.” I decided to relent because I’m no fool when it is clear what God wants; it is best to obey.
Begrudgingly I pulled my tennis shoes on and began fumbling with the laces, hoping this would be a quick 5-minute walk. Headphones in to listen to a little worship and off we went. To my delight, not only did those five minutes turn into over an hour, but it was an awe-inspiring walk with God.
God showed me His beautiful creation all around me. I was like a child in awe snapping continuous pictures to capture the beauty. With every step, I felt His presence and His incredible love for me. He brought clarity on a struggle and ideas to a project. Before long, I was singing and wondering why I don’t take a walk with God every single day. However, the very best of all was – He filled me with a peace I didn’t even know was lacking.
God Can Restore
We may believe God knows what we need, however when He speaks, we sometimes flounder with obeying. At times, His small unexpected requests seem so inconvenient or silly. And yet He knows our every need even before we ask.
We say we want the Lord’s will, and yet so often we allow our overbooked agendas to crowd out those intimate, unorchestrated times where intimacy is born. #interruptions #God Share on X“Your Father already knows what you need before you ask Him.” Matthew 6:8
Is it hard for you to give God the reins when He interrupts your day?
Featured Post
Today we are featuring a post from Dr. Michelle Bengtson, who understands all too well how vital God’s peace is to our soul, especially in times of turmoil. As she found herself grappling with more questions than answers, she headed out the door hand in hand with God. Click over and walk with her to see what she discovered.
Now for our Featured Post
“Peace Restored”
Written by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
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Will you pay attention the next time God’s interruption seems to be inconvenient? #interruption #God #inconvenient Share on X
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I love it that you’re no fool!
Ha Ha – It comes after many foolish choices. Maree
Oh, how I fight God against those interruptions of His. 🙂 But thankfully when I finally accept them, I usually find a blessing hidden there.
Lisa – Yes, the blessings are incredible. Thank you for sharing. Maree
It is amazing how when we put God’s agenda first, we usually get more done. But either way, God’s plans are always the best!
Donna – Yes, I agree. God’s plans are always the best. Thank you for joining us on Grace & Truth. Maree
I love that God sometime wants us to drop everything and come away with him – it is so hard learning to let go of the list, of the tasks and get out of the “fail” mentality! What a good, good reminder for the beginning of my week! Shalom! ~ Maryleigh
Maryleigh, I am so glad you stopped by, and I hope you have some wonderful moments with God this week. Maree
I love the persistence of God. We can try to ignore Him or turn the other way, but He doesn’t give up on us. I pray I listen and follow the next time I am interrupted by God.
Mary – I couldn’t agree with you more. We are so blessed God doesn’t give up on us. Maree
The most productive days are when we are obedient.. Love this post Maree!
Bless you,
Jennifer
Jennifer – Yes, you are so right, I don’t know why I can’t remember that when the interruptions come.
I like God’s surprises to delight us and bring his rest. I had to smile, though, at my house with hubby working at home, due to COVID-19, it is his voice often several times a day asking me to quit my task and go for a walk with him. I usually go, sometimes grumbling in my mind, but often I come back relaxed and happy.
Theresa,
Oh, those walks sound delightful. I am so glad you are stopping to take them with your hubby. Maree
What a wonderful encouragement to listen for God’s whisper! He knows exactly what we need… 🤗 Thanks so much for sharing!
It is pretty amazing. God always knows what we need. I’m listening today for his whisper. How about you? Maree
Like the article, but can’t relate. Maybe it’s my limited mind, but I don’t hear, see, feel anything from God. God can’t interrupt me as He doesn’t speak to me, just the infernal silence. I have asked God for communication in a way that I can understand, alas still nothing. I would so love to hear God say anything to me. The silence is heartbreaking, soul crushing, and the bringer of doubt. After all these decades of silence, a person begins to doubt. I would have to say that this silence is one of my biggest problems with God.
Well thanks and may God Bless You, in Jesus name, Amen.
Kenneth,
I won’t stop praying that you experience that closeness with God and that you will know it is Him. Maree
So often my interruptions are the very conduit through which God wants to speak. I loved reading about yours.
Michele – Yes, I agree! If only I could remember that when God is trying to get my attention. Maree
My tendency is to argue with myself about whether that was really a nudge from God or just an idea that popped into my head, until it’s too late to act on it. May we always be attuned to His voice and quick to obey.
Barbara, I know what you mean. We have to move right away. I hope you are enjoying a lovely Saturday.