{"id":1801,"date":"2013-03-10T07:00:52","date_gmt":"2013-03-10T11:00:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.ordinaryservant.com\/?p=1801"},"modified":"2013-03-10T07:01:48","modified_gmt":"2013-03-10T11:01:48","slug":"when-god-shows-up","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.ordinaryservant.com\/?p=1801","title":{"rendered":"When God Shows Up"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Courtesy of Creative Commons<\/p><\/div>\n

There was another death in the family… seems to be a theme lately. This time it was my husband’s younger cousin. A shock to say the least. Noone was expecting it. She wasn’t sick or anything. She left behind the most adorable five year old boy. Breaks my heart honestly.<\/p>\n

Friday was the wake. I had off from work, so we all went as a family. I normally do not make it to these things.<\/p>\n

We were running late. It seemed as if invisible forces were causing us from getting there, including the fierce wind pushing against us while walking to the funeral home.<\/p>\n

We finally arrived and I immediately sensed the hopelessness hanging in the air like a thick cloud. We made our way up the stairs to an ocean of tears.<\/p>\n

We walked through a maze of people until we came upon vacant seats in the back as my father in law began speaking. Suddenly, I felt a surge of energy propelling me out of my seat.<\/p>\n

I told my husband, I need to go up front and pray for the people. He looked at me with a surprised expression.<\/p>\n

I’m not one to speak in front of people, much less a group of strangers. I’m the type who likes to sit quietly in a corner, minding my own business. But, for whatever reason, on this particular day, God had other plans for me. I couldn’t resist the force propelling me to go.<\/p>\n

I knew it was the Lord and I obeyed.<\/p>\n

I walked up there and stood in front of all these people staring at me. I whispered to the Lord, what am I doing here? The Lord gently said just speak what I tell you.<\/p>\n

Yes Lord.<\/p>\n

I wasn’t going to say no to Him, not anymore. I learned my lesson years ago and won’t be making the same mistake twice.<\/p>\n

If God wants me to speak, then I will speak, no matter what happens or how awkward I feel.<\/p>\n

When it finally came time to open my mouth, all I remember were these words echoing back at me… Jesus is real!<\/p>\n

Hallelujah! Yes, He is! I adore Him and magnify Him, despite myself. He can use a fool like me and be glorified. He is great and worthy of all praise. I love Him with every last breath in me. I want to please Him, because He is worthy. I know I have failed Him many times (and still do), but my heart’s desire is to do His will and make Him smile.<\/p>\n

As a result of my obeying and saying yes to God, despite the apprehension I felt of what others might think of me, God showed up. God’s presence permeated that place… and then my husband joined me and began to speak too.<\/p>\n

Then his cousin came forward, shared and sang a beautiful song. I was in awe at what the Lord was doing right before my eyes.<\/p>\n

I learned a valuable lesson that day. Yes, I was afraid, intimidated, shaking in my pants, but with God I pressed through, listened and obeyed. Then I saw God move in power, encouraging others, touching hearts and giving them hope.<\/p>\n

Where there was first hopelessness and despair, it was replaced with love, hope and encouragement by the power of the Holy Spirit.<\/p>\n

It truly become a celebration, reflecting the spirit of our little cousin. Her presence will prevail in others she touched during her short time here on earth.<\/p>\n

In conclusion, I wanted to share this beautiful song sung by Jenn Johnson called Come to Me. I hope it blesses you.<\/p>\n