Nudge
January 7, 2021 by Elaine James
Filed under Daily Devotions, Life Topics
by Elaine James –
When my Grandma was in the nursing home, others kept saying “you should visit your Grandma every other day.” Everyone had advice about how and when I should visit. I was fretting over the right time to go and how often my schedule could handle this. I finally had it with being “should-ed” by others. So I prayed the following.
“Lord, You know everything; I need a nudge to help me know when to visit my Grandma at the nursing home.”
Days went by with no nudge until I got up one morning and thought ‘you need to go see Grandma.’ I asked God, “Was that from you?” The thought persisted.
On my way to the nursing home, God prompted me again. I heard Him tell me, bring your Grandma her favorite food. I knew exactly what to get. Wendy’s Chili! The chili was a delicacy and the visit was divine. The next day I got a call to come to the home quickly because my Grandma had a stroke. After evaluating her they found her throat to be paralyzed and she would not be able to swallow. God nudged me to help my Grandma have her last solid meal. Thank you God!
Instead of worrying, do you talk to God about the many decisions you have each day?
I read a story recently about a husband who had a sick wife. He had trouble sleeping at night because she would wake up and need to be administered medicine for a life threatening disease. He feared he would not wake up. He prayed “God could You nudge me when I need to be awake and take care of my wife.” He told story after story of how God woke him to help his wife.
Instead of freaking out, trust God to nudge you.
Think about where you should turn first.
PRAYER: Father in heaven I turn to You first not last! Continue to help me to hear Your nudge and trust and act on it! In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
“Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun” (Psalm 37:5-6 NIV).
Today’s devotional is by Elaine James, author of the tract JOURNEY, certified personality trainer and graduate of Christian Leaders Authors and Speakers Seminars. She is a prayer ministry counselor, accomplished actress and certified Christian storyteller. Her dramatic performances have made many aware of their problem with Major Mind Overload and their need to take every thought captive in obedience to Christ. Elaine is a recycler—nothing God teaches her is wasted. www.elainejames.com
Great article, Elaine! A few months ago I trashed my to-do list and began trusting God to direct my activities each day. As I finish one thing, I await His “nudge” as what to do next. What a difference that has made!
Thanking God for giving us the Spirit! He is so faithful. Thank you.
Those “nudges” are such blessings. My sister and I had similar ones in the months prior to my father’s unexpected passing. I am so grateful for those, as well as for the ones he’s yet to deliver to me. Thanks, Elaine!
The “nudge” for my grandma is one of my favorite stories. I am so grateful too! I hope it encouraged people who have anyone in a nursing home and they are stressed about their schedule. When ever I tell this story someone in the audience always comes up to me and they tell me they felt like I gave them permission to rely on the Holy Spirit for their personal visit decisions. Friends and family put so much pressure on each of us. But I decided I say “Thank you for the suggestions of when to visit I will pray about it and do the best I can with God’s help.” Trusting God with our schedule gives us freedom. Thank you Hally!