"Give that girl a "Mama hug"", I heard the Lord say as we sailed on the Sea of Galilee in Israel. I had just met Jennifer for the first time when she boarded the boat. She
was sitting on a bench near where I was sitting 
and appeared sad as she looked out over the water. "Can I give you a "Mama hug"? I asked her. With that she threw her arms around me and began to cry. I held her and let her cry for a few minutes as we sailed. Then Jennifer looked up at me and said, "I was just wishing my Mom was here to enjoy this with me!" As we talked I found out her mother was in California and lived near where I was born and lived! It was more than a "Mama hug", it was sent from her Heavenly Father!
Listening to God and obeying is simple, and I will show you how! It strengthens our faith and teaches us to not worry about ourselves and what others may think. It's all about Him and doing what love demands. We never know what people are going through and what they have in their heart. But God does and desires us to be His arms of love around the world!
Recently my dear friend posted on Facebook how a lady behind her in line while waiting to pay for a gift began talking to her. "I know we don't know each other, but I feel in my Spirit that I'm supposed to give you a hug because you're grieving". My friend burst in tears as they hugged, for her mother had just passed away! Immediately this lady began asking questions about my friend's Mother and within seconds they were both smiling, laughing, and re-living some very special moments in her life.
In both cases God wanted to comfort with His hug! Our obedience to these "Holy nudges" lets others know that God cares.
That's how we learn to recognize His voice! Because He is spirit He speaks to our spirit with impressions and insights. If it is in line with His Word and birthed out of love not judgement, it's usually Him. I always say, "If it's smarter than me, it's usually Him!" Along the way we learn wisdom and timing also to go with our impressions. It's a process and it comes through spending time with Him. The more we act on His nudges, the easier it gets and the clearer the nudges are, for our Father will confirm them!
My dear friend on Facebook finished her post by saying, "We have such a good, good Father..... in the midst of my grief and broken heart, He let down a rope of HOPE from Heaven so I could grab on!! Whatever heartache, discouragement, frustration, or despair you're experiencing.... grab on to that rope of HOPE and let Him pull you up!"
Can I encourage you today to spend time with our good, good Father, get filled up with His love and be willing to listen to Him to let down the rope of HOPE for those who come along your path? We live in a world that is hurting and is so needing a kind word and an expression of love!
Jesus said in Matthew 25:37-40, "Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or without clothes and clothe You? When did we see You sick, or in prison, and visit You?' And the King will answer them, 'I assure you: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me."
You see, in that hug you are giving you are doing it for Him! It's the Father's Hug!
