Bible Passages

Read Matthew 25:36-41.

“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, provided it is received with thanksgiving.” – I Timothy 4:4 (NSRV)

Devotion

When my husband died, my widowed father, no longer able to live alone, came to live with me. When he was called Home, it left a big hole in my life.

One night, a week later, I went to the store. I passed a young woman and her small dog huddled in a corner. She tried to talk to me. God nudged me, but I kept walking. Upon leaving the store, she asked me to give her a ride. It was in the opposite direction, so I easily refused. God nudged me again. “Could you at least put me up for the night,” she asked. With a third nudge, I finally surrendered to God’s will, and this time I quickly agreed.

Once home, our dogs played together. Soon, my home was filled with laughter and joy. The next morning, it was difficult dropping her back into her world.

I may never know the impact I had on her life, but I will never forget the lesson I learned. Through gentle nudges, God asks us to take action. When we do, he often rewards us with unexpected blessings of love and happiness. Had I not listened to God’s gentle nudges, I would have missed out on the special blessing I needed at that time.

Prayer Focus

Human beings living without a permanent shelter.

Prayer

Dearest Heavenly Father, help me to heed your gentle nudges. Help me to hear the hearts of others. Teach me to generously give mercy and love to my fellow human beings. Amen.

Final Thought

God speaks to us through gentle nudges.