I had a work trip that started off with my co-worker going on a rant about God, the church, and men in general. Boom! The declarations of judgment and rage came like a machine gun. My first instinct was to act busy and ignore what was being said. I had a newspaper in hand, and the thought occurred to me that I could just raise it up and block her out. Then I heard the Spirit tell me to engage with her.  My excuses were quick to come. ‍

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I don’t really know her.

I don’t want to get in an argument.

I don’t know what to say.

She is older than me.

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‍In the Old Testament book of Jeremiah, Jeremiah told God he couldn’t be His prophet because he was too young: “I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth” (Jer 1:6). ‍

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What do I do?

What if I say the wrong thing?

What if I don’t know the right words?

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Moses didn’t think he was good at speaking. He may even have struggled with a stutter. (Ex 4:10).  Just like Moses in the Old Testament, my doubt and insecurity were strong.  

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At first all I did was listen. Trying to take in the volume and sift through the rage, I started praying. God, I don’t know what to say. Give me your words. I don’t know how to respond. Show me what to do.

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After a few minutes of the pain becoming clearer, the words came. “That wasn’t how God made it.  I’m sorry that happened to you.”  The rage melted and the talk became softer and more came out. God’s message in the moment was that He saw her.  The interaction ended shortly after that. Soon after she changed offices, I never saw her again.

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I don’t know what she heard in our exchange. I don’t know what she did with the message.  I’m glad it is not my outcome to ensure.  That belongs to the Spirit. Like Moses and Jeremiah, my part is to make myself available.  My job is to respond when the Spirit moves.

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I felt grateful. I had felt the Holy Spirit at work. I was used by God, but it wasn’t because of all the training I had. It wasn’t because I had the answer to her problems.  This is what Paul calls us to in Colossians – the Spirit had shown me how to respond to this person.  I just needed to follow the prompting of the Spirit and be the conduit of His love. I don’t get this opportunity every day. I don’t even get it right most of the time. Though, the more I follow His prompting, the more natural it feels. My daily practice usually comes in the form of praying with and for others. It is amazing how many people say they don’t believe in God, but in hard times or situations, want prayer.  Again, I don’t know what they will do with it. Maybe that seed planted there will grow and become more one day.

Prayer: God, I don’t know what your plan is right now. Help me to stay close to you and look for where You are working.  ‍

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Action: When I feel the prompting of the Spirit, I can act with confidence because the outcome is His. When friends, coworkers, or acquaintances around me share about a stressor, challenge, or hurt, I ask, “Can I pray for you?”