I have been pondering something a sweet man spoke to me after I ministered in Louisiana. He had a prophetic gifting and the gentleness and humility of his spirit and heart showed me that I could trust him. I knew I needed to listen closely..that the Lord was speaking through him.
He was slow and cautious to speak, but when he did His words had such power. He shared his heart on what the Lord had shared with him regarding the ministry God has called me to. What beautiful gifts God gives His people. So many times we discount a prophetic gifting…somehow thinking it’s a thing of the past. What a shame….and such a heartache for our Lord as He sends His messages to His people.
The wise man made a simple statement to me that has been a matter of prayer for sometime. He said “Shelly, God didn’t give you a gift to use every once in a while...”
Today I say Amen to this…and look for where the land of fruit is..where that which Christ has placed inside me is fully used to reach hearts for Him. This will be the land of abundant fruit…for the hearers and my own heart. For joy swells in us as we do that which He created us to do. It’s simply who He made us to be.
Are you fulfilling the calling God has placed within you? If not..your heart will become sick…and your joy will be lacking. I think sometimes we think it’s humbling to back away from the call using our gifts and talents…but I am learning this thought is likely from the enemy. He is good at filling our hearts and minds with “good” ways that halt that which Christ called us to accomplish. So…we must do the will of the Father. Using all He gave us to the fullest…for it is not just our joy that is affected…but also His.. Not to mention the hearts and lives of those needing His love that are still waiting.
I pray this poem speaks to you as it did me yesterday when it came. He has a lovely way of speaking to us doesn’t He…
Oh tired can be a little soul
For this world can but drain you slow
Trials so many stack so tall
Mountains sway and valleys call.
If not for you O precious Lord
Your gentle voice and wooing roar
I may just decide to hunker down
Lay asleep on barren ground.
But O so sweet is Thy voice
Loving me to come rejoice
Silencing the fears and pains
That follow me into each day.
Remember child I placed my hand
Into thy mothers womb again
Sanctified and set apart
You were born to voice My heart..
Go now to the land of the free
Where your gifts will healing bring
Never did I place them there
To be but used in times of spare…
Shelly Wilson
