Re (1): A Momentary Lapse of Reason

Bill,

That is great news! My greatest suggestion is to simply encourage you in your effort. We don't often take the step of articulating our thoughts publicly as you have if the leading is not real: don’t doubt yourself or your ability to hear God’s voice. And while I believe that God honors anything that we might do in His name, when He specifically calls us to a course of action, we will be equipped to meet each challenge as it comes up, even when it means taking in a great gulp of air and sending up one of those desperate SOS prayers for wisdom and guidance. There may come a day in which there is that one particularly difficult individual, but remember: he (or she) would not be there if God had not selected and equipped you to handle the situation through His grace and mercy.

Beyond these factors, the only other suggestions that seem worthy of mention is be authentic and don’t try to be pious for piety’s sake. What is more, don't fret too much about staying on topic because drifting conversations often reveal not only deep and unexpected truths but burdened hearts, and if you feel the Holy Spirit calling you one evening to do something you might not ordinarily think is such a great idea—like overt evangelism even though that is not your overall focus—do as He prompts. You will never be sorry when you obey such a quickening, though entering into the situation you may see no rhyme nor reason. Very often when God prompts us so perceptibly, the evening itself will reveal the reason and you will find yourself marveling all the way home, your heart overflowing with joy.

Café au lait, café noir, ou café crème? Moi, je préfère mon café noir. (White coffee, black coffee, or coffee with creme? Me, I prefer my coffee black.) So then, here’s to you. ;)

God bless,
Eric