You and I are ambassadors of God, representing His heavenly Kingdom upon the earth. (2 Cor. 5:20) We are instruments of grace chosen to release love, light, and life. This is accomplished, not because WE are great, but because HE is GREAT through us. The Kingdom of God resides within us (Luke 17:21) and the fountain of Holy Spirit should continuously flow through us and into the lives of individuals in our sphere of influence.
Sometimes, you may not be aware of certain individuals within your reach who are in desperate need of His powerful touch. But, as you remain in intimate fellowship with God, Holy Spirit will highlight the persons He desires for you to reach.
This concept is beautifully illustrated by the passage of scripture found in Acts 9:10-19. (NIV)
10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”
“Yes, Lord,” he answered.
11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.
12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”
13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem.
14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”
15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.
16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized,
19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength.
This morning, I am reminded of an incident much like this that occurred in my own life. We were living in TN at the time and I was sitting alone in our living room, enjoying time with Jesus. Suddenly, out of nowhere, I began to see a vision of a woman named Dean sitting up in her bed.
Dean was the wife of a faithful man of God who attended our church. She had stopped accompanying her husband to the services many years previous because she was offended. But now, Dean was dying of cancer and God longed to bring a release of the offense coupled with forgiveness.
In the months leading up to this, I had taken several warm meals to the couple throughout their journey with this awful disease. It was through this small act of kindness that God allowed me access into Dean’s life.
This day was different though. God desired access into Dean’s heart…
In a vision, God showed me Dean sitting up in her king-sized bed, and instructed me to go immediately to her house and lead her in a prayer of forgiveness toward her offenders.
I hopped in my car and drove toward their home. I remember everything feeling like a blur. I questioned my decision to GO…who knows if they’re even home right now? I had not called to request a visit. What if they do not feel like entertaining a visitor today? But, something inside of me compelled me to continue to drive.
When I arrived at their home, Dean’s husband answered the door. We embraced in a friendly hug and I asked, “Is Dean available?” Joe led me through the living room and down a hall to the bedroom where Dean was sitting. I found her just as I had seen in the vision – sitting up in bed, in the exact spot God revealed to me.
I walked in and sat upon her bed. Taking her hand, I expressed how God had instructed me to come. I explained that He longed to grant her forgiveness toward her offenders and fill her heart with peace. She began to weep and express feelings of inadequacy in doing so. I reminded her that forgiveness was necessary for the cleansing of her heart. With tears flowing down her cheeks, she joined me in a prayer of repentance and released the offense she had been harboring for nearly a decade.
A few weeks later, Dean left her earthly body and came face to face with her Lord. No doubt, THEY met with smiles on their faces.
Until this morning, I had forgotten this special moment that occurred in my life more than 12 years ago. Why did God choose me? I believe Dean needed to know that it was truly God beckoning her to forgive. By choosing me, an individual who knew nothing of Dean’s personal history, I was the confirmation she desperately needed. If a friend or family member had approached her, perhaps she would have questioned their motives and refused to surrender.
Many others around you desire to have genuine encounters with God.
A wise woman once told me, “You have two ears. Use one to listen to what’s going on around you, but incline the other to the voice of God continuously.”
May YOU encounter His Presence every day and become His chosen instrument for bringing about necessary change in the lives of individuals around you.
