The Emperor Gum...

God spoke to me recently very clearly…

It was during our recent family get-a-way, which was emotionally a difficult time for me…

Oh yes, and I need to mention that He used a moth to do so J

But not just any moth a HUGE & beautiful one!

So there I was sitting alone, as the kids were watching a movie, and I was trying to not get overwhelmed by all the emotions swirling around inside me!

I was sitting in an outside kitchen area where we were staying, and it was around 8:30pm…when in fluttered the huge moth!

I have since learnt that this huge moth is called an Emperor Gum.  The moth was striking, so I quickly grabbed my phone to try and get a picture of this amazing insect for the kids.

Well as you can probably imagine, it was extremely difficult to get an undistorted snap of this huge fluttery giant moth!  It would just not stay still long enough, and just kept flying around dizzily, stunned by the massive light! 

I felt my heart sink, and I thought well what else could I expect from this simple creature…but then I heard God’s voice…He told me to wait and be patient…that He would provide the moment needed for me to get a great shot, and that He would calm the moth…

Ok, I hope I haven’t got you thinking I’m crazy now…LOL…just stay with me…I truly sensed that this was what God was saying to me in my mind…so I relaxed and waited...I think I watched some more of Australia’s current X-factor series which was showing on the TV there…

ANYWAY…a short while later the moth did calm down, and it rested not far from me…not up high, but down on a table leg nearby so that I could approach it easily.  The moth was so calm I could have taken hundreds of shots, I even stroked it, and knew that I could have held it if I wanted to.

God then spoke very clearly to me in my mind, He told me that I need not get disappointed in my relationships with others and ministry work, because He provides the moments when the message will be received!

You see, even though as Christians we are involved in God’s work, it is His work, not ours...

He loves us so much that He includes us in His work, and He gives us great relationships with others…but if the message is not received, perhaps it’s just not the right time so we shouldn’t lose heart!  Numbers of conversions don’t matter, and pressuring people with the Gospel message is not always well received.  What matters is love! 

I’m not saying don’t speak the Gospel, but what I am saying is not only do this, but also live this!  Live the Gospel you proclaim…love people, and wait upon God to give you the opportunity to speak the Gospel so that it is well received!  Don’t rush ahead of Him.  Sometimes He may prompt you to speak urgently and that’s ok too J  We can preach the Gospel both in and out of season, but focusing upon your personal relationship with Christ and upon your integrity is the best place to start so that GOD CAN USE YOU! Don’t forget that the Holy Spirit gives us words to speak to proclaim Christ!

Here are some scriptures that relate to what God said to me…

1 Peter 3:15-16

¹⁵ but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; ¹⁶ yet do it with gentleness and reverence.^[a] Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame.

Colossians 4:5-6

⁵ Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time.^{[a] 6} Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone.

Acts 8:26-40 (Phillip and the Ethiopian eunuch)

God brought this conversion about, and God will use you too for His Kingdom work!

 

Let me know what you think...I'd love to hear from you :)

Peace, Melanie!