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Have you ever argued with God? Have you ever been hesitant to do as he asked? I think if we are honest, we all have. Today, I have the pleasure of introducing you to my friend, Debbie Kitterman, as she shares her testimony about God using her as a reluctant encourager.
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The Reluctant Encourager
By Debbie Kitterman
“Noooo,” I whined aloud, “I don’t want to. I want to go home and sleep.”
I set my jaw like a two-year-old about to pitch a fit and made my plans. I was going to ignore the thought that just popped into my head. I did not want to go to the new church property and pray. I wanted to go home!
Then it came again, the thought to go to the church property and pray.
“NO!” I shouted to the empty car. “No! I am going home.”
I had just made an early morning trip to the airport to pick up my boss. She was now safely deposited at her home, and I was going to mine.
I had my plans and I was sticking to them. I set my jaw and grit my teeth as I continued to drive down the road. My plans for the day were to go home, crawl into bed for a few hours and then go pick the kids up from school. I had it all worked out. I didn’t want to do anything or see anyone. I just wanted to climb into bed and sleep.
The thought came again. “Ok” I shouted, “I am going home, going to bed and that is it. I don’t want to go to the church property and pray. Not even for a minute. I have my plan and I am sticking to it.”
Have you ever argued with God? Yeah?
Me too!
But guess what? He always wins. A – L – W – A – Y – S!
I was about to pass the point of no return. My car was almost through the light where I would need to turn to go to the church property. My mind said keep on going, but then at the last minute I turned the car and made the right turn.
I was frustrated, but I knew after the third time the thought had popped into my head, that God was asking me to go to the new church property and pray. If I didn’t do it, I knew I would be flat out disobeying.
As I came to the dead-end road, I glanced out toward the gazebo which had been built on the property for people to pray in. It was not empty as I had hoped. “Ugh,” I groaned. “Now on top of not wanting to be here, I have to be social” I mumbled under my breath.
I contemplated driving around the cul-de-sac and heading for home, but then the people in the gazebo stood up and started waving frantically at me. There was no way for me to leave and not have to answer some series of questions later about being rude. Reluctantly I parked the car, got out, took a deep breath and headed towards the gazebo.
From a distance I couldn’t tell who was waving at me, but as I got closer, I saw two church staff members. We had been former co-workers, before I took another job. They were acting strange like kids in a candy store as they anxiously awaited my arrival. As soon as I stepped inside the gazebo, they blurted out. “This is so cool! Man, this is awesome! We were just praying together about a decision we have to make and said, ‘wouldn’t it be cool if God sent Debbie here right now?!?’”
Wide eyed, mouth gaping open, I stared at them. I was in shock. My mind raced as I stumbled over what to say and how to respond…. “Uhh …OK? What?” I plopped down on the wooden bench, rubbed my eyes and looked at them. “You mean, you’re the reason why I am here?” They were grinning ear to ear like cats who just ate a canary.
“Yes,” they said, “we were just praying about a monumental decision and we are trying to figure out what God would have us do. But we don’t know how to discern what is God and what is not. We know you teach classes on hearing God, so we prayed and asked God to send you here.”
Well, this was a first for me, but I also knew God had a track record of sending people to those in need. After all, He sent Ananias to Saul (Paul), He sent Elijah to the widow, He sent Peter to the Ethiopian, and the list goes on. I also knew I could pray with them and help teach them to discern what was God and what was not.
We ended up talking and praying together for over two hours. As we were wrapping up, I confessed to them that I had almost driven straight home and not stopped. I told them about arguing with God all the way there, but that in the end I knew if I didn’t stop I would be blatantly disobedient.
As I walked to my car, I knew what had started out as me being reluctant, actually turned into a great time of encouragement for them and for me. They went away blessed with some answers and a decision. I went away knowing I had been obedient to God and a blessing to them. That day, God sent me to be His gift to help them in their time of need and decisions. I got to #BeTheGift of encouragement they needed right then.
To this day, when our paths cross, our day in the gazebo all those years ago inevitably comes up. It was a day that changed the course of their lives and one that changed mine. This is why I wrote my book, The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement: Hearing the Words of God for Others. God is calling us all to #BeTheGift of encouragement the world needs today. He is looking for people who can hear His voice and are willing to respond. He is looking for those with available hearts ready to love the world around them. Join me in changing our world one encouraging word at a time.
About The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement: Hearing the Words of God for Others
Change the World around You through a Lifestyle of Encouragement
From the beginning, God has been communicating with mankind, just as he did when he talked with Adam and Eve in the Garden. Yet far too many people believe that talking with God is extraordinary when, in fact, it should be an ordinary part of our Christian life. Jesus modeled this two-way conversation. He also embraced a lifestyle of encouragement, changing the atmosphere and lives of people everywhere he went. We can do the same.
Debbie Kitterman’s new book, The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement: Hearing the Words of God for Others is full of powerful testimonies and practical application, this book will help you break out of your comfort zone and embrace a lifestyle of encouraging others–just as Jesus did. You will learn how to deepen your relationship with God, open a direct line of communication with him, and share his words with others.
Buy The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement here: The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement: Hearing the Words of God for Others.
About the Author
Debbie Kitterman, is a breath of fresh air with a down-to-earth teaching style. As a prophetic encourager, she partners with churches and individuals to realize their God potential. Debbie is passionate about people claiming their God-given inheritance. Her teachings inspire faith and build bridges for people to believe and expect the impossible.
Debbie is an ordained Foursquare pastor currently serving with her husband as senior pastors of Restoration Church in Lacey, Washington. She is the author of Releasing God’s Heart Through Hearing His Voice and an international speaker. She is the founder and teacher of D2HTraining.com, an online course designed to equip believers in releasing God’s heart. She has been married to her high school sweetheart John for 28 years, and they have two grown children.
Her newest book, The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement: Hearing the Words of God for Others, will be released by Chosen Books August 21, 2018.
To stay Connected with Debbie at:
Website: https://debbiekitterman.com
For more info on The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement: https://debbiekitterman.com/gift-of-prophetic-encouragement/
Blog: https://debbiekitterman.com/blog/
Face Book:
Dare 2 Hear (ministry page) https://www.facebook.com/Dare2Hear/
Debbie Kitterman (personal page) https://www.facebook.com/debbie.kitterman
Twitter:
@Dare2Hear https://twitter.com/Dare2Hear
@DebbieKitterman https://twitter.com/DebbieKitterman
Instagram:
Dare2Hear https://www.instagram.com/dare2hear/
Pinterest:
Dare 2 Hear – Debbie Kitterman https://www.pinterest.com/debbiek1166/
Personal: Debbie Kitterman https://www.pinterest.com/dkitterman/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-kitterman/
Google+ https://plus.google.com/u/0/107154550706929279386
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6x8hyeAtYUprFLrxWA41iw
thank you so much Dr. Michelle for the honor of writing a guest post for your website. 🙂 Blessings
Debbie,
I’m so grateful for your words of wisdom, and look forward to others being able to read them as well in your new book! Blessings to you, my friend!
I don’t think I have ever argued with Him, Debbie, I probably said,” Are you sure? a number of times which is ridiculous. Just the other day I answered a prayer request for a soldier, while I pray for people to be healed they have to believe it too, I never just promise it, but a I wrote the prayer, He was emphatic, I kept hearing free indeed, that He want to set this man free from PTSD, so I told his parents. Looking forward to reading your book.
I think most of us have had the experience where we just want to be SURE we were following God’s voice! So relatable.
I love how you were obedient and stepped out to share what you were hearing Rebecca. I am glad you don’t argue with God, but I on the other hand, have asked both – “Are you sure” and down right argued. LOL but you are right, it does seem ridiculous doesn’t it. Thanks for sharing your own testimony of being available and obedient. I often find when God speaks specifically like He did with you and the young man with PTSD that He has every intention of healing the individual.
Wonderful and encouraging reminder. It is not for us to know the “why” but to just obey the prompting of the Spirit. I’m looking forward to reading this book.
Thank you so much Joanne. I am guilty of often wanting to know the ‘why’ but we so don’t need too.. I am excited for you to read the book
Thanks for having me write a guest post for you to share with your readers. It is an honor to be able to do so. I posted a comment yesterday thank you, but for some reason it didn’t post… hopefully I am not making a duplicate. 🙂 Blessings
Debbie – Yes, I have argued with God a few too many times. I probably even turned around and didn’t obey. However he never disappoints when I choose to be obedient. Thank you for sharing your story. You are an encouragement to keep listening for his voice.
Dr. Michelle – Thank you for hosting Debbie’s wise words
Maree
Maree,
I bet we’ve all done that a few times (or more)! So grateful we serve a gracious God! With Hope, Dr. Michelle
Hi Maree! It’s nice to know that I’m not the only one who argues with God. And you are so right, He never disappoints when we obey. You are most welcome for sharing my stories. Blessings to you 🙂
God wins in the end doesn’t he??? I love how Debbie describes her experience of being asked by God and the thought to flat our refuse what he was asking. I know I have been in similar positions not with the prophetic but in something God asked me to do. I cannot wait for the book to release and get in the hands of many.
Yes Mary, God does win in the end. I think we can all find ourselves in similar positions, I am just grateful, I was a able to respond and obey, otherwise I would have missed out on being a blessing to these individuals. I am excited for you to read the book as well.
That was awesome! I love how God works… even against our will when He knows we really do want to follow His will. I can’t wait to get this book. Will there be an audiobook?
Sherry,
I don’t endorse books I don’t really believe in, so you know if I’ve endorsed it, Debbie’s is one you want to read. You’ll love it!
I’m the same. If I’m endorsing it, it’s good 🙂 Miss you girl!
We need another meet up in TX or Canada!! Hugs. <3
Agreed 🙂
Hi Sherry, I am not sure if Chosen Books will do an audio book, but I can ask and if I find anything out, I will let you know. Also, yes, God does know our hearts and our desire to follow His will even when we are being stubborn. 🙂 Thanks so much for wanting to read the book too. 🙂
What an inspiring story! I’m still learning how to discern God’s voice and have had prophetic words given to me, which also am discerning! I can be a thinker which can get in the way (over-analysis) which in itself that can be arguing with God, I see! But God wants us to rejoice in Him by allowing us to see the fruit of listening and obeying, doesn’t He? Thanks for sharing your story here Debbie and for hosting it, Michelle!
Lynn, I love your transparency. We’re all in a process of hearing God better. I’m glad this encouraged you. You’ll enjoy Debbie’s book–it simplifies everything and really shows how God delights in speaking to all of us. Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
Thank you so much Lynn for sharing your heart and struggles as you are learning to discern God’s voice. I tended to be the same way, with over-anylasis and arguing – I share (or rather tell on myself) a lot in the book about how I did those things, and yet pressed in to find how He speaks to me. Yes, it is so true, God does allow us to see the fruit of listening and obeying. I believe it’s so we can grow past the fear, arguing and hesitation we feel at times. You know, our history with God says that lat time we stepped out, God showed up so we know He will do it again. Blessings and thanks for reading my post.
I’ve done that arguing! So great when we finally not only listen, but do what we hear! Tweeted and pinned.
Sue,
I think sometimes the process of arguing with God and seeing the ramifications teaches us a valuable lesson. But you’re right…so good when we finally listen and obey! #HopePrevails!
Yes Sue, it is great when we do those things. I think Go is up there cheering us on when we do finally go for it. 🙂 Thanks for tweeting and pinning 🙂
What a great story and reminder to LISTEN, and not just talk at God!
You’re right Anita…I think so often we get so busy telling God our needs that we don’t take the time to be still and just listen. Because of Him, #HopePrevails
Oh yes Anita. It is a great reminder to listen, and I am a talker so it takes much discipline to silence my mouth and still my self to hear Him. But it is so rewarding when I do. Blessings