Starting My Trip

Recently, I heard 3 adults raise the tone of their voice  and say to little people:  “Listen to me.”

Oh, I bet you have heard that conversation too – “Listen to me.You aren’t listening. Did you hear what I said?” Perhaps it continues like this, “I said no.  Why did you do that when I told you not too?  I heard you and the Answer is No! Why? Because I said so and if you continue you will be in trouble.”

“Your behavior isn’t acceptable.  I said NO! I mean it.”

How many times have I heard this dialogue?  How many times have I been a participant?

My trip was going to happen. I did my goals, made a plan and worked the  plan. I wasn’t listening to anyone!

Some problems had not been addressed. I thought I can fix my problems when I arrive. So, I packed them in the car to travel.  I told everyone close to me… anywhere in Tennessee will be fine.

This is how the No chapter started and began its decent.

God, Are you Silently Speaking?

I felt hesitation from the Spirit in my soul and ignored it.  My sister-in-law agreed to fly to Montana and take the 2200 mile drive with me.  I planned and packed every day. We would leave on the 13th.

I know God was trying to get my attention when focusing seemed impossible.  I felt guilty and looked around to see if I had done something wrong. I had employment in Tennessee. I had a promise of an available house. I had constantly expressed the wish to be there.

Something felt Wrong. Have you ever had those feelings?

Two days before the trip a winter storm warning was issued.  Six inches of snow was predicted along with dangerous winds.  I sent the weather map to my sister- in- law. She canceled her flight.  Oops, now I needed to drive alone. No problem I have driven this 3 times…why was I doused with dread?

God did not coin the word Dread.  Dread is closely related to Fear.

Fear Does Not come From God

Is it true God is interested in our everyday activities?  Does he really care and try to communicate when we procrastinate or make a decision not in our best interest?

When a child rebels against  parental instruction, there are consequences.  When God says no and we don’t listen there will be consequences.

I fully intended to meet my goal, so continued with MY plan and started my trip.  Pulling out of the drive, the tears started and wouldn’t stop. About 100 miles down the road I pulled over called my son to hear a human voice say, “Why don’t you come back?”  I turned that car around and my spirit soared.

Hello, God, I hear you. I sang all the way home.

Is Gods’ No forever? I believe he answers Yes, No or Wait.  I am in the waiting zone.  I am sure I will return to the South and I believe I know the general date.

How does God speak?

God was loud and clear when the living accommodations were no longer available.

He  tone was loud, visual and an astounding No when the National Weather Service issued  a winter storm warning. My sister-in-law said No. The storm did not come.

I promised God I will be debt free.  Most of this trip would have been on credit.  (Yikes, I didn’t need to ask …I know his Word says According to Proverbs 22:7 (NIV), “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” Starting my trip as a Slave wasn’t wise.  When I turned to come back this scripture came to mind.  One problem packed in the trunk was money.  I need to earn some to make for this trip.

Influence

My dad was driving an 18 wheeler when he composed a song…He had just driven his rig to the top of a mountain and pulled to the side. The fog was heavy. Visability was almost zero. He pulled the rig to the side of the road, thinking he remembered the space allowed.  While waiting for the fog to clear a song came to him.

Song

“I was on the downward road, the fog was Heavy and so was my load, something spoke to me and said, repent of your sins and your load I’ll  bear.   Let the Lord come in.

The Lord came in, I had no fear, the fog was gone and the road was clear. Since that day and since that hour, I  can feel His holy power. I let the Lord come in.

The part not in the song……His heart was pounding, he felt fear. he pulled over to accept God.  From his story, immediately, the fog cleared.  When the road was clear, he got out to see how far off the road he had parked. His tires were on the edge of a cliff…one that had claimed many truckers lives as they went over!  I learned this song from him when I was little . I wrote the music for it and as a family we sang it whenever we were together.

When God says No…heed His instructions. When we say Yes and God says No does he love us?   God loves us all the time.Given free choice we make a decision and the results may not be in our best interest.  God is polite.  He doesn’t interrupt us when we speak. He pays attention.  Does he speak to us? In his Word the scripture says —

“Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” Jeremiah 33:3.

I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalms 119: 105.

He speaks through the written word in the Bible. I believe he speaks through our circumstances.

I am a spontaneous person.  In the future I want to add restraint and take time to ask God’s advice before making goals and setting plans in place. Do I wonder how the trip would have ended?  Of course.  I felt awful to call and say I cannot accept the job you offered.  I disappointed many friends.

My granddaughter experienced the sadness of saying farewell.  All would have been avoided if I had listened first to the No Credit allowed and made my decision.  Along the way came the  other messages.

I hear the sound of distant drums
Far away, far away
And if they call for me to come
Then I must go….. For now,

I will be content in Montana, until I hear His call.  I had not planned to post until May 13th.  A girl can change her mind you know, and I feel  a heavy urge to share…and to ask

What have you done when God said No and You said Yes?

How about we…. adhere to   3 John 1:2  Beloved, I desire that in all things thou shouldest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers.

Much love,

Molinda Sue