Pick Up Your Bed and Walk

Today is a day that I am actually off of work (we close for 13 federal holidays a year), and my daughter is actually in school.  So I decided to treat myself to a morning away from the house, and thought I would mosey on over the the closest starbucks for some strong coffee, and a little sweet treat.

It's 7:30 am as I walked into the sea of hazy minded people waiting to order their morning mix of caffeine. I make my way through the line, and pick a little table up against the window to begin my reading of God's word, and start my note taking.

As I take a seat I over hear the two guys behind me discussing the book of Matthew, particularly Matthew 9.  Wow, could this be a sign that I need to read Matthew 9 this morning?  I was really excited to hear what these two were going to be discussing, but just as I got my ear tuned in......they decided to move tables.   I guess maybe I was a bit obvious with my eavesdropping.

When I begin to read, and truly hear the words that I am reading I come to a conclusion.  When God speaks........we MUST listen.  If you hear The Lord speak to you, by all means pick up your bed and walk.

In Matthew Chapter 9 the word says that some people (no specification of who) brought a paralytic, lying on a bed to Jesus for healing.  When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven". Jesus then said to the paralytic, rise, and pick up our bed and go home".  The the bible says that he rose and went home.

The man did not question Jesus of his healing, the man got up an walked home.  He didn't say "Lord how did you do this, why did you heal me"?  The man accepted the healing and went home.  So why do we have such a hard time accepting the blessings of God, or moving forward in works when we hear Jesus speak to us?  Maybe it's because we feel we don't deserve His favor or gifts.  Or maybe we have a hard time knowing the difference between our thoughts and God speaking to our hearts.

I believe that when I have a task or word placed on my heart that will further Gods kingdom that is The Lord speaking to me.  And when I do or say something because I feel it will make me look good, that is myself planting thoughts in my head.  Call me crazy, you won't be the first, but that is my reality.

You also may know when The Lord is speaking to you by what you are being lead to do in your life.  For me, my heart is full for reaching women that are lost, burdened, beaten down mentally and physically just done.  Women that are or have lived a life of sexual sin.  Women that have by choice or not by choice been caught up in the industry of sexploitation.  This I know is my calling from The Lord.  Almost 5 years of sleepless nights, day dreaming, praying, council, and straight out asking God to just SHOW ME what to do.  And needless to say, doors have burst open, and some have been closed just as quick.  But what I am getting at is as soon as The Lord spoke I picked up my bed and started walking.  Walking walking walking.

You can rest assured, if there is something on your heart, and without a shadow of a doubt you know it is God, GET UP AND WALK HOME.  He promised us in Deuteronomy 31:6, Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave or forsake you."  

The Lord will be with you through every step, and if He sets something on your heart, know without any doubt that He will make the way, and not to fear, for He has told you to get up and walk.  He will be walking right there with you every step of the way.