Spirit Promptings

by Sarah Bently

“And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.” (1 Corinthians 2:13. ESV)

Go sit with her.

What?! No. I have no logical reason to get up from my table, and go join a perfect stranger.
———–

Go sit with her.

But everyone will see me, and she is going to be so uncomfortable, and what will I even say
———-

Go on. Go sit with her.

At this point, I don’t even respond, because I know God’s not budging.

My cheeks are burning, my heart is racing, and my hands have gone a little bit numb.

And I can feel God smile, because these bodily signs are the proof that I’m about to obey him.

We’ve done this dance enough times that we both know what choice I will make.

I’ve ignored the prompts before. Then the opportunity passes, and the regret I feel for having failed to obey the Holy Spirit’s prompt is far worse than the momentary embarrassment I feel awkwardly approaching the person God’s put in front of me. So I count myself down…

5…4…3…2….

And I’m up. I’m walking. I’m asking if I can join her. The expression on her face tells me that this was definitely what God had in mind.

He gave me some questions to ask her. I shared the thoughts he told me for her. And she was comforted that day.

I still fight the spirit’s leading sometimes. On my more anxious days, I will even argue with him. No matter how many times it goes right, the next time never feels easier.

It doesn’t come naturally, but I’m learning to find peace in that, because it shouldn’t be natural. It’s supernatural.!

In Christ,

Sarah Bentley

“The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26, ESV)

1. What happens in your body when the Holy Spirit is prompting you to obey him?
2. Examine yourself. What would be the most likely reason holding you back from obeying the Spirit’s leading? Fear of embarrassment? Lack of clarity? Social etiquette? Knowing this about ourselves can help us to succeed where we have not in the past.