HEEDING WARNINGS
19th Oct 2016
We were camping by the beach and in and out of the sea, enjoying the waves, walking the shore and I was wearing my regular specs, all singing all dancing, expensive with transitions! I felt the prompting of the Holy Spirit, quietly suggesting that it might not be the most sensible thing to be wearing them on the beach, however, I ignored the warning; to my shame, I had this thought several times, but did not take note of the prompting.
At one point, I was flying a large kite in a strong wind, I was not experienced, and as I lost the wind I fell backwards into the sea. I wasn’t hurt, but as my children and grandkids helped me out of the water, we saw my specs sinking just out of reach into the surf. I felt desperate, I knew I had with me a spare pair with an old prescription, but as anyone knows who wears glasses, you feel off kilter when you can’t see clearly.
I prayed, repented, walked the shore to see if the tide had washed them onto the beach, but finally had to admit, they were gone. I felt so foolish, I had ignored the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, not once, but several times. I asked His forgiveness and I forgave myself for stupidity and independence.
I am using my spare pair of specs, and praying my vision will adjust and the glasses will see me through our trip. The logistics of getting new specs as we travel around Australia and New Zealand are too complicated to contemplate, so I live with the consequences.
Reflecting on this incident, I am praying for myself and family and also for you, that we will be attentive to the warnings of the Holy Spirit, quick to respond and be kept safe as the result of obedience.
Proverbs 1:33 says, “Whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease without fear of harm.”
Isaiah 50:4 says, “The Sovereign Lord....wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ears to listen like one being taught.”
by Joyce Sibthorpe
