When God Calls

What to Do when god calls 

God calls us each at different times in our lives. Will we hear him when he does? Will we listen? Our purpose on this earth depends on our reply.

 

Listening When God Calls

When Samantha of Josephine’s Redeemed Revival Antique Market contacted Julie to ask her about attending her antique market as sponsored guests Julie was a little confused. Why would Sam want us to come? What would we do at an antique fair? We didn’t have products to sell. We weren’t antique collectors or vendors, and we hadn’t written any books (like last year’s featured guest). What would we do?  Sam answered, “Just meet the people!’

Sam explained what her antique market was about. She explained that it wasn’t your typical kind of market.  We soon understood that Sam chose to connect with Julie because of her powerful Christian message. This fair was as much about being inspired by God as it was about vintage finds.

When Julie first spoke to me about it, she was still a little unsure. She explained we would be writing an article in the publication about who we were and maybe share some of our seasonal decor tips for fall but our main purpose would be to meet and greet folks. Amidst the uncertainty we both somehow knew that we needed to say yes. It was going to be exciting to get out from behind our computer screens and meet people. Finally, here was an opportunity to really connect. 

 

Touching Moments Spent with Strangers

Flash forward a couple of months. We wrote our best decor advice and shared our best decor photos. It was exciting for us to see our work in print. We staged our booth and were ready to go. But, while most people were busy selling their wares Julie and I were busy sharing our hearts, our love, our passion for Christ, and oh, yeah, a little about home decor.

We gave out hugs; gave twin advice to young twin-moms and expectant twin moms; shared twin stories with other twins; gave congratulations to a young couples who were first time home buyers and just starting out; and chatted with folks of all ages who just stopped to ask what we were doing.

When God Calls: Some of The Interactions Were Raw

One woman spoke through an interpreter (her English was only broken). She shared her story of persecution and perseverance as a Christian in Afghanistan. Abandoned by her husband she was sent to jail for her beliefs. By the grace of God and the help of American Missionary efforts she had escaped with her children. She was now learning English and rebuilding her life. She was incredibly happy to be standing there talking openly and praising God through tears of relief and joy. We were all crying. We will never forget meeting her and her amazing story.

Another young couple told us through tears of joy how they had just found out, after years of infertility, that they were pregnant with twins. When they met us, they couldn’t hold back their desire to share the good news with us even though they hadn’t yet told their families. The husband’s tears said it all. We ran into our young former church Pastor and his wife who had relocated to this town and “just happened” to stop by the event. So many conversations, so many interactions seemed incredible and important and meant to be. We were there for a reason. We were there to meet these people and thy us.

Upon Reflecting: When God Calls

Finally, on the flight home I had a chance to reflect on the event. Sitting in my seat, I was overwhelmed. God had called us there, that much was apparent. The encounters were so powerful and spiritual that it was almost too much to believe. Everyone else seemed to have a purpose at the fair, and it looked like we didn’t have any at all. We had a booth with nothing to sell. But in fact, our purpose was great and awesome and almost indescribable.

These moments shared with strangers we will never forget. It’s hard even now to put into words the feelings we felt conversation after conversation. These people began as strangers but walked away as friends. In the end it was exhausting, exhilarating, motivating and rejuvenating. Their stories touched our hearts. My eyes were sore from crying and Julie’s voice was hoarse from talking.

Julie’s Walk Toward Christ

Julie shares her and her family’s faith story, and it is a powerful one. Be sure to read it. It will leave you so inspired!

Watch Her Video Testimony

When God Calls

Some invitations you accept for money, some for the exposure. Paid or not, we hoped to benefit in some way from the experience. Julie and I gave three days of our lives to the event. We were physically and emotionally drained, but we were also spiritually moved, inspired, and changed by the experience. God set before us a task and we answered Him.

It’s impossible to say who benefited more from our heart-felt meetings with these many strangers. We had opened up our hearts; we had listened, shared, cried, bonded, hugged, laughed, and rejoiced. Julie and I carried a small piece of their stories with us to hold and treasure. These were gifts, and they were priceless.

And as we said good-bye to Sam, her family, and the rest of her team we explained that the weekend was something we would never forget. Our biggest takeaway? When God calls, all you need to do is listen.

Be Sure to Read:

Read another story of God powerfully working in our lives in our post, “Blind Faith in God Leads to Miracles Every Time.”

A personal note from The Design Twins

Even though some articles are written from one of our perspectives, we want you to know that each and every piece is a joint effort. If Jodie writes it, Julie edits and puts her 10 cents worth. If Julie writes it the same is true. Our blog is a 100% teamwork. We just wanted you all to know that, because it’s such an important part of who we are and what we are about.

This article was not sponsored or requested. We just wanted to share. 

Also, we welcome every response and comment.  It absolutely makes our day to hear from each of you.  You can expect a personal, heart-felt reply any time you do.

With blessings & sincere gratitude,