By Linda Evans Shepherd
Sometimes when I pray, the Lord shows me these lovely pictures.
I used to think these were mere daydreams interrupting my prayer focus.
I’d try to refocus, but the images continued to break my concentration. One day, in a small prayer circle, the woman who prayed before me shared the pictures she saw as she prayed.
I’d never heard anyone share in this way before, but her courage inspired me to share the pictures I saw.
More Than Daydreams
When it was my turn, I shared the pictures of the festive fireworks I’d seen as I prayed.
These pictures held no meaning for me, but to my surprise, the man we prayed for turned to me and said, “I know you didn’t understand the meaning of your words, but I do. This is a direct confirmation of something I’ve been praying about. I know you heard from God on my behalf.” I was stunned. What I thought were silly daydreams turned out to be a gift from God to encourage others.
For the past ten years, I’ve volunteered in quiet prayer circles at my church, sharing these messages as God gives them to me. It’s been a joy to see how God uses them to reveal His direction and encourage His people.
His Word of Encouragement
As I was praying and meditating on Colossians 3:15 (NLT) which says, “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts,” He gave me this message wrapped in a beautiful picture to share with you:
Like a butterfly’s wings lifted by the morning breeze, so God’s Spirit lifts you to new heights of peace and purpose. He has called you to soar through your journey on His wings, to rise above earthly cares and see the world from His perspective. As the things of earth fade beneath you, remember you are never alone. His Spirit is with you—guiding and surrounding you with fellow believers.
He hasn’t called you to race or compete with the souls around you, but to love and encourage them along the way.
Flow in His peace and share it with those who travel beside you. When the winds of change push you in unexpected directions, do not be alarmed. Trust Him and give thanks, even when the changes you face stir grief in your heart.
He has not forgotten you. He is the One opening new horizons. Embrace His peace, for in headwinds of difficulty, He is at work in your heart, shaping you and turning all things into eternal blessings. Trust Him in the unknown, and let His peace sustain you. Know that He is with you always, transforming your life into a masterpiece of beauty.
Let’s Pray:
Lord, lift me on Your wings of peace as I trust You with my life’s journey. Let me see my life and ministry from Your perspective. Teach me to rest in the flow of Your presence as we soar into the future together. Remind me that You are with me, even when change appears on my horizon. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Linda Evans Shepherd, author of 39 books including Praying through Hard Times (Baker Revell), is the publisher of Leading Hearts Magazine, CEO of Right to the Heart Ministries, and founder of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA—awsa.com)
