The Fleece

​“Send me Your light and faithful care, let them lead me; Let them bring me to Your holy mountain, to the place where You dwell. Then, I will go to the altar of the Lord, to God, my joy and delight…” Psalm 43:3-4 (NIV)
 
My husband and I sat on the couch. Engaged in a deep discussion, we were answerless.

     “Do you know what I should do?” The question hung between us.

     “No,” My husband shook his head. A large decision needed to be made. I was clueless. Yet I did not want to move before the Lord nor hang behind. Give wisdom, I prayed.

     The weekend had been a busy one. Non-stop running and activities filled the day. Fatigue settled deep. Earlier complications also muddied the waters. Arguments bantered back in forth in my mind. The circumstances aren’t ideal, I reasoned. But if I wait for the perfect moment, it may never happen. Torn, I waivered.

     Early in the morning I had sought the Lord for guidance. A quick thought had surfaced which I pushed aside. If it thunders tonight, it will be a sign. But not wanting to test the Lord or base my decision upon the weather, I had disregarded the thought as quickly as it surfaced. Yet hours later, when rolls of thunder permeated the air, I wondered if God might be speaking to me. But when the clouds cleared and the sun peeked out, I once more shoved the thought away.

     As the night progressed, indecision tore at me. Please give me unmistakable clarity, I prayed. But even as my husband and I prayed for discernment, no obvious choice presented itself. Frustrated, I flung my hands up.

     “Well, if it thunders tonight,” I shrugged, half serious yet half joking, “I’ll know what God wants me to do.” But just as these words left my mouth, a soft rumble permeated the air. At first gentle, the roll grew louder and more intense. Then, as quickly as it appeared, the thunder ceased.

     My heart pounded. I could not believe my ears. Pure incredulity intermingled with overflowing gratitude. God’s voice had answered me in the thunder. And to know He loved me enough to speak in a way which I would clearly understand, overflowed me with awe. Absolute certainty now filled my every pore.

     “That was clear.” With wide eyes, I looked at my husband. He grinned back at me.

     “Hello, Gideon,” he quipped. I laughed. Peace flooded my heart. For to know the Will of God brings assurance and rest. But to know the heart of the Father brings thanksgiving and joy.

     Often, it is in the details, where God’s heart is revealed. And it is also in the workings out of these details where God’s love can shine the brightest. love and compassion stand illuminated through His watched care over us. And for me, His timely voice in the thunder ministered love over me.
​
     May God’s love be a rich covering over you this day. May He flood your heart with a confidant assurance of His power and watched care. May He fill you with joy and peace. And may you rest in the knowledge of His goodness. Amen.