Higher Education

July 14

"To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit" (1 Cor. 12:8).

I walked out of the church parking lot after participating in a training class on hearing the voice of God. As I was talking to a friend I looked over at a woman who was talking to her friend. The words "higher education" popped into my mind.

We had just learned that whenever something pops into our minds that seem foreign to our normal thinking, it is often the Holy Spirit speaking to us. We must connect the thought to an action the Holy Spirit may be desiring us to take.

I decided to be bold and walked over to the woman. "Pardon me, can I ask you if you have, by chance, had a good bit of education in your life?" "The woman responded immediately, "Why, yes. I have two MBAs." I was encouraged to proceed.

"I believe the Lord wants to encourage you that He has directed you in your education and although you cannot see the results of that investment in time and money, He is going to use it for His purposes. He wants you to be encouraged to know this."

The woman was very encouraged by the words I spoke to her. I walked away feeling good about being obedient to His prompting.

Every believer has been wired to hear the Holy Spirit's promptings in our lives. One of the primary ways He encourages believers is through other believers. However, many of us have been duped into thinking we cannot hear God's voice. Today, be especially sensitive to that still small voice inside of you. Whenever a thought pops into your mind that seems out of character for you, consider that it might be the Holy Spirit speaking to you.

For more from Os Hillman and T.G.I.F., visit todaygodisfirst.com