I have a confession to make. I’m super analytical and sometimes an over-thinker. I don’t just think about something, but I’ll look at different angles of the situation and analyze the people involved, or the setting, or anything else that could possibly play a role. At heart, I’m my own version of Sherlock Holmes.
Sometimes overthinking can be a weakness when I don’t follow the nudge of the Holy Spirit. I’ll be in the store minding my own business and I’ll see a perfect stranger and I’ll feel the Lord nudging me to give them a word of encouragement. Sometimes I’m brave and I’ll tell them what the Lord puts on my heart. Sometimes I chicken out and I don’t.
Here’s a perfect example. I was traveling for work and I felt like the Lord wanted me to encourage the man sitting next to me on the plane. I was enjoying solitude while reading my book and sipping my coffee and didn’t feel like encouraging the man next to me. What if he thinks I’m hitting on him? What if he thinks I’m a weirdo and has to sit next to me the rest of the plane ride?
With a bad attitude, I said to the Lord, “Fine, show me how you see this man.” Instantly, I saw a picture of this man’s burden. Compassion pressed against my heart. God’s love for him filled my eyes with tears and I was so grateful to hear the Lord on this man’s behalf.
But did I tell the man? No.
I chickened out and walked off that plane with the beautiful picture of how God sees him tucked away in my imagination. I felt guilty, but not guilty enough to go chasing after the man.
But God, in His infinite wisdom and graciousness, saw fit for the man to show up at my conference. I shook my head and laughed when I realized God was giving me a second chance to partner with Him. So, I repented and asked God for another opportunity, and of course, He created an opening for me to share with the man the image God showed me.
With tears in his eyes, the man thanked me for giving him the word of encouragement. He didn’t run in terror of my awkwardness, but humbly accepted the words I shared from the Lord. I was merely a conduit connecting him to the heart of God.
What a tremendous privilege.
Who is God asking you to encourage? Will you be brave and do it? Don’t overthink it. Take a risk. Be brave. Give a word of encouragement to a perfect stranger. Telling them God loves them is a beautiful thing. I can’t think of a better gift to give this season.
