My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

~John 10:27 ESV

I had one recently–a holy nudge–and I can’t stop thinking about it.

I was driving to work via an atypical route when I saw a sign that read, “Brocato’s Cannolis sold here.” The sign brought a huge grin to my face and reminded me of a fun childhood memory. 

As a middle schooler, my friend Leslye invited me to her birthday party at Brocato’s, an upscale restaurant. I remember feeling a little nervous because I had never eaten somewhere fancy without my parents. I put my napkin in my lap and ate the first course, a green salad.

Fight to Hear God’s Voice 

That’s when the unthinkable happened. I tried spearing a cherry tomato, and it flew across the table. Leslye’s mom locked eyes with me and said gruffly, “I saw that.” My face turned as red as that renegade tomato until I saw the twinkle in her eye. 

Still smiling at the memory, I decided to call Leslye to reminisce. I looked at the clock and wondered if I should wait until later. That’s when I got the holy nudge. Now, Lee. Call her now. A sense of urgency settled over me all of a sudden. Leslye was surprised to hear from me at 7:15 a.m. on a Monday.

“Do you have time to talk?” I asked. “I have a story.”

“I only have a minute,” Leslye said. “I’m at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center with my husband for his first appointment.”

Her words felt like a gut punch as I thought of how they must feel sitting in that waiting room.

“Well, now I know why God brought you to my mind this morning. I’ll be praying for you, and I’m here for you.”

I quickly told her about the sweet memory and heard her smile through the phone. After we said our goodbyes, I prayed for Leslye, her husband, and the medical team. And I thanked God for His holy nudge.

What a tender, compassionate God we serve. He saw His dear ones sitting in that waiting room, full of tension and worry, and He went out of His way to send them a lifeline. I’m humbled God chose me as His instrument. 

This time, I was listening. But I wonder how many holy nudges I’ve ignored or missed altogether? It’s so easy to get distracted by the internal monologue of to-do lists, what-ifs, and irrational fears. I want to be like young Samuel, who heard God’s voice and said, “Speak, for your servant hears” (1 Samuel 3:10 ESV).

Say Yes to God

When I first thought of calling my friend, I had no idea it was a divine appointment. I almost put it off for another time because I was worried I’d wake her up or interrupt her morning routine. But when the Holy Spirit nudged me, I had a choice to make.

For am I seeking the approval of man or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

~Galatians 1:10 ESV

Give God All the Glory

We can easily succumb to pride when God uses us as His hands and feet. It feels special to be chosen, and it’s thrilling to connect with God and others in such a powerful way. The enemy loves to inject the toxin of pride into beautiful God moments. Humility is the only antidote for that poison.

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2 ESV).

Think back to a time when you sensed a holy nudge. Ask God for more opportunities to be used for His glory and the good of others.

Lord, thank you for including me in Your compassionate work. Help me keep my eyes peeled and ears open for Your holy nudges. I don’t want to miss a thing. Amen

 

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2024: A Holy Nudge: Lee Merrill: All Rights Reserved