My friend Bev recently changed her work schedule, freeing up more time for ministry.
One morning she prayed, “Lord, show me what you want me to do today.”
“Go to Walmart,” said the Lord.
“Walmart?” questioned Bev, “but I don’t need anything at Walmart.”
“Yes, Walmart,” responded the Lord. “Go, and I will show you when you get there.”
So Bev arrived at Walmart, still unsure of what would happen.
“Where should I go, Lord?” 
“To the back of the store, the toy aisle,” came her answer.
There Bev encountered a distraught looking woman, softly weeping.
During the next 15 minutes, they talked. The Lord showed Bev what to say to encourage the woman’s heart and remind her that God was present. Before leaving, Bev prayed for the woman, and they shared a hug.
How glad she was she went to Walmart!
In Acts 8, we read of another divine appointment.
Philip had developed a fruitful ministry in Samaria. The people were seeing the miracles, healings, and deliverance from demons that followed Philip wherever he preached.
Many came to Christ, “and there was great joy in that city.” (v.8)
Philip likely wondered then, why one day God asked him to leave Samaria and go south down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza (v.26).
But Philip obeyed, taking this less travelled road. There he encountered the treasurer of Ethiopia, a Gentile, who had journeyed to Jerusalem in search of the things of God.
Philip met the man just as he was reading and puzzling over a prophecy about Jesus.
As Philip rode along in the man’s carriage, he shared the good news of Jesus with him. The man confessed, “I believe that Jesus is the Son of God.” (v.37)
Stopping near some water, Philip baptized the man. Shortly thereafter, the man went on his way rejoicing!
I imagine Philip rejoiced as well, when he realized taking the desert road had led to this divine encounter.
When God said, “Go!” Philip didn’t question, didn’t argue, didn’t feel resentful because he was busy.
Philip went!
As he headed out on the less travelled road, he didn’t know what would lie ahead. But his obedience to “Go!” ultimately resulted in a stranger coming to faith in Christ!
When God says “Go!” . . . what will you do?
Copyright © 2017 Cheryl Elton
Thanks, Cheryl, for the gentle encouragement to listen for the still, small voice of God . . .
Glad it spoke to you, Sarah. God bless you richly!
Great blog Cheryl!
One thing it demonstrates clearly is that responsiveness works two ways – your yearning requests to God to serve, like Bev, and God’s requests to you to serve, like Philip. Hence I would add a second question to your closing – Are you asking God for new opportunities to serve?
Yes! Good points you make, Paul. I think God has assignments for us all the time, and our willingness often opens the doors to them. Thanks for sharing your insights.
I will say ‘YES’ LORD….Father always knows best for His children. I love seeing His amazing reality in our common and sometimes mundane world. Listening and obeying always brings God’s results…thanks for the reminder to always “Go”!
This is such a timely reminder! Our church is having its annual missions conference, and so many of our missionaries followed God’s command to “go.” Because of their faithfulness, we are blessed and challenged. And God alone knows how far-reaching His word extends by just one person’s obedience!
God doesn’t just tell us to go for no reason. He has plans that include us, but if we are not willing to obey, He will find someone who is. That has always been such a sobering thought to me.
Thank God for you, Cheryl, and your wonderful blog! May our Lord continue to use and bless you!
Thanks for sharing these good thoughts, Mary! Missionaries are a great example of the command to “go”, and what they accomplish can certainly have far-reaching effects. But God blesses and prospers even small acts of obedience. I realize more and more how imperative it is that we learn to have our eyes open to seeing where He is working, and learn to recognize His voice when He tells us to “go.”
Thanks for sharing these good thoughts, Mary! Missionaries are a great example of the command to “go”, and what they accomplish can certainly have far-reaching effects. Yet God blesses and prospers even small acts of obedience. I realize more and more how imperative it is that we learn to have our eyes open to seeing where He is working, and learn to recognize His voice when He tells us to “go.”
You’re welcome, Barb. Blessings to you!