Okay. The most incredible thing just happened and I am compelled to share.

If you've been keeping up with me lately, you know that God has dropped some pretty earth-shattering revelation on me over the past few weeks, much of it in the form of John Eldredge's new book, "Walking with God." If you haven't gotten the book yet, in a nutshell, he describes how you can walk with God on a daily basis, developing an intimacy with him by listening to His voice. This isn't natural to us, and it has required some serious divine intervention for me. Just slowing my brain down enough to hear has to come from Him. And He has been overly and abundantly gracious to do this very thing.

Last night as I was asking God what He wanted to say to me, I very clearly heard the word "vulnerable."

I said, "Vulnerable? What does that mean?"

He said, "Be vulnerable." That was what I got. I didn't understand at all what it meant, but I was completely ecstatic that He had indeed spoken.

I've pondered all day over what that might mean. Being vulnerable sounds a little bit scary to me, because doesn't that mean I'm open to being hurt? Haven't I cried enough lately? Am I supposed to be vulnerable to God? Vulnerable to Jeff? Vulnerable to strangers on the highway? What does that mean?

To be honest, I really wasn't expecting an answer to come right away. I'm assuming this is something God wants to reveal to me in His timing. But He led me to read about David tonight. (That's another totally cool thing about this - actually asking Him what He wants me to read before I open the Bible. What a concept! :)) So I just went to 1 Samuel where David's story begins. Very soon into it is probably his most famous accomplishment, the victory over Goliath.

As soon as I saw the title, I heard, "Be vulnerable for me." So I'm thinking David was certainly an example of being vulnerable for God, right? He put his life on the line in a very real way when he got ticked off over "this uncircumcised Philistine that should defy the armies of the living God."

As soon as he started asking around, Satan tried to attack him through his brother Eliab. "Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the desert? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle." Enter ridicule, provocation and distraction.

When he told Saul he wanted to go for it, you can hear the condescension pouring from his lips, "You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a boy, and he has been a fighting man from his youth." Enter doubt.

But David was determined to do what he felt the Lord leading him to do. And every five-year-old in Sunday school knows how that turned out.

At this point I'm hearing God tell me to be vulnerable for Him. Whether I'm perceived as a complete weirdo or not doesn't really matter any more. I'm hearing from Him, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

So back to the cool thing that happened. Before I opened the Bible and started reading, I felt led to pray for Ramu. Some of you may have been wondering what has been going on with him. Well, from our end, not much. The money is sitting in the church account ready to go, but there is a hold-up on determining exactly the best way to get it to him. So I'm waiting. This is not my strong point. But I'm trying to just sit back and let things happen.

However, over the past few days, I've allowed some doubt to creep in. Even though I had two or three different confirmations that we were indeed supposed to be doing this for Ramu, that was a few weeks ago and my attention span is sometimes short-lived.

So I began to pray for Ramu. I asked God, "Did we do the right thing? Were we supposed to raise that money? Is this in Your will?"

I immediately heard, "Yes, child." So tender.

"Are you sure, God? Am I hearing you right? Are you in this?" I could almost hear Him laugh as He said, "YES!" Okay. Thank you. I just needed to hear that. I can wait again.

So then I opened my Bible and read and saw the story of David and Goliath and I'm just really feeling so encouraged. Thank you, Lord, for revealing a glimpse of Yourself to me tonight. All I want is to know You more.

I opened up my e-mail to check it before closing down my computer. There in my inbox is a precious note from one of my dearest college friends. This is what it said...

Hi Leigh Ann,

After reading your blog a few weeks ago, I was so saddened by the story of the little blind boy who could possibly regain his sight through surgery, and I really felt the Lord leading us to help out in some way.

Richard and I would like to give some money toward that, but I'm not sure exactly how to do that, or even if that need has been met already. If there is still a need for money for his surgery, to whom should I make the check payable, and where do I send it?

Love,
Amy

Now, you may think that is coincidence, but I know better. God is listening. It's time for us to listen back. We will be astounded at how much He wants to tell us!