Tonight as I drove home from taking some cake to a friend in the hospital, I felt a sudden leading to take a piece of caramel cake and some home brewed raspberry tea to my pastor. As I drove into my driveway, I could think of at least 5 good reasons why I shouldn’t do that — and suddenly the music on my tape player sang — “and God’s soft promptings can be easily ignored.” You can bet I had that cake delivered within 5 minutes!

It reminds me of a time when those soft promptings prepared me for a blessing I might otherwise have missed.

Several years ago, my church in Augusta, Georgia, was invited to present the world premiere of a new Christmas Musical. There was a part for the mother of Mary – both speaking and singing. I felt led to tryout, but never heard any response.

I continued to attend choir practice, but the music minister never announced the solo parts. Weekly I watched to see which alto had been chosen — but there was nary a peep out of anyone.

About 5 weeks before the performance, God prompted me to learn the solo and speaking part. I couldn’t believe He was asking me to do that, but assumed that perhaps the soloist would get sick at the last minute and I would have to take their place. I got busy and learned everything.

A week later, I sensed another of those soft promptings. This time I felt led to make a costume. I could believe that was necessary, if I were going to jump in at the last minute. However, the situation was becoming increasingly more challenging. Only the cast wore costumes. I figured I’d look mighty silly getting on the bus with my costume, when I was just a member of the chorus! Not long after I finished the costume, I got a call from the choir director. He related that prior to going on vacation, he had forgotten to call me.

However, he did want me to take the part of Mary’s Mother – and did I think I could have that ready in such a short time? The truth is — no, I couldn’t have it ready in a short time. But a loving God had begun my preparation weeks before, with His soft promptings.

In my life, obedience to God has always opened the front door to some sort of blessing!

Gail LaForce – Sanguine/Encourager, speaker, teacher, writer, newsletter editor, intercessor, church council chairman and loves to swap Southern Humor with LaRose Karr. Has lived in Colorado 31 years, Georgia 14 years, Alberta 3 years, Virginia 3 years, and Texas 2 years. Is an R.N. and has a B.A. in English Education. Currently a grant writer for Northeastern Junior College. Mother of 3 college age children. What really counts is that she has given her life to Jesus and loves Him with all her heart. Her favorite teaching topics are prayer and obedience. Email: gjlaforce@aol.com