The Power of Divine Suggestion

“I’ve never said that before!  When it came out of my mouth, I wondered: ‘Where did THAT come from???'”

He was our guide at the Botanic Garden today in Sydney.  A very nice, very knowledgeable grey-haired man who talked us through a 90-minute free tour.  A fascinating combination of history, anthropology, botany, zoology and sociology.

He had made a comment early in our tour.  I could hardly wait until the end so I could ask him about it. On a personal level.  Away from the crowd.

What comment had he made?  “Thank the Lord!”  He said it with some enthusiasm, referring to a near-disastrous turn of events that was averted.  I can’t remember the context.  I just zeroed in on his animated expression.

I spent the rest of the tour wondering:  Was that just a meaningless expression to him, or was it significant spiritually?  Was he my Forever Brother in Christ… or someone who just used those words as a colloquial expression?

I was determined to find out.

This heart prompting came from You… didn’t it, Lord?  I listened intently to all he had to say.  I wanted him to know I appreciated his time and his knowledge.  I appreciated his passion for the place and the people he spoke about so lovingly.

The tour finally concluded.  As the crowd dispersed, I extended my hand… thanking him.  He was grateful.  Then, I asked the question that had been “burning” in me for most of the tour.

That’s when he exclaimed he had never said “Thank the Lord!” before.  It just “popped out” of him. From where???  He had no clue.  I did!   🙂  He went on to explain that he was a very “spiritual” person who found his deeper meaning in creation.

I couldn’t help but wonder:  You had me ask him that question for a reason… didn’t You, Lord?

He’s been honoring — perhaps even worshiping? — Your creation for his whole life.  Suddenly, words popped out of his mouth today giving thanks to You — The Creator of all creation.  And there I was… to ask him about it.

Why, Lord?  So this “slip of the tongue” would get some traction in his mind?

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”  (Romans 12:2)

My cross was hanging from my neck.  The cross that refers so clearly to You, Lord — The Name above every name.  Did he even notice it?  Does that even matter?  How much of Your “wooing” of us happens subliminally?

When what “we know that we know” meets The Power of Divine Suggestion?

.“The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.”  (Psalm 145:18)

Let today be his day, Lord!  To take even a baby step in Your direction!

Abba’s Girl

 

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