Jesus Knows You Inside and Out!

A Personal Story of Spiritual Encouragement

*God often uses church family and friends to speak truth into us.

Last week, while dealing with whiplash on the roller-coaster of life, I recognized a mid-summer spiritual slump. Thankfully, our Women’s Ministry had planned a summer evening event in a local park.

Not only was it wonderful to reconnect with friends and enjoy a time of worship, but Jesus met me there in a completely unexpected way. (Since there are precious people involved, this is the part of the story I can share…)

When He Speaks Through Others

I sat across from a fellow Christ follower, mouth agape, shaking my head in disbelief at what she shared.

This friend I sat talking with shared burdens we were both shouldering, challenges of caregiving for elderly parents and parenting adult children. I had no idea she was dealing with the same issues as myself, and was grateful for someone who could relate.

“I didn’t have any words to pray,” she continued. “So I just gave everything over to God, surrendered, and told Him to take care of it!”

And He did. His answers came in surprising ways, like He always does when we come to the end of ourselves and dare to open our hands, giving our concerns completely to Him.

And, you know what? His answers are always WAY better than those we dream up on our own!

But that’s not the full reason I sat listening in wonder, with the Holy Spirit shivering up my spine. . .

Loving Encouragement & Gentle Correction

This encounter went beyond encouraging; I knew God was directly addressing deep heart issues and wrong thinking as well. It seemed as if He was reminding me not to compare myself or “idolize” others who might “look better" on the outside.

Oh, yeah—guilty.

We all struggle in similar ways, often making quick judgments, limping through life as best we can. We share a common humanity and frequently forget to act on what we know. We constantly need reminders along our journey to stay on the right path! Support from others, prayer, and gentle nudges help us along THE Way.

Instead of placing each other on pedestals, we should check ourselves and strive to encourage one another as we progress toward our eternal home. This is what my friend did for me that evening.

After our conversation, I marveled, knowing that I’d just been “seen” by God again. How thankful I felt that Jesus used this friend to encourage me, more than she even realized.

And Jesus reached down into the depths of my soul, pointing out those feelings and assumptions. He alone knew exactly how to address them, gently and lovingly, and WHO I needed to hear this from. Remarkable.

I drove away in tears of joy, overwhelmed by the simple yet profound fact that our Savior knows and cares for each of us so intimately. It still brings tears just writing about it.

Have you been there? Have you ever felt that Jesus was personally addressing you in a tender, intimate, and all-knowing way?

Let’s face it, He just “gets us” better than anyone else can or ever will!

**YOU. ARE. SO. LOVED!

I Pray This Story Encourages YOU!

Jesus knows you better than anyone else, my friends. We can trust Him to love us unconditionally and more intimately than anyone else!

Allow Him to speak to you today, whether through prayer, scripture, or an unexpected conversation with a friend. Make space and look for Him at work in your life.

Then be amazed when he shows up! You can’t miss it.

O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me…

Psalm 139: 1-6a, ESV

Worship Song of the Week:

Jesus Over Everything! by the Belonging Co.

(Featuring Andrew Holt)

*Photo by Seth Doyle on Unsplash

**Photo by Nicole Wilcox on Unsplash