Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” –Luke 11:28 (NLT)

Just Say “Yes”

Growing up in churches and religious schools with strict expectations, Amy couldn’t wait to graduate from high school and break free from all the rules and constant shame she felt every time she messed up. As soon as she graduated, she began living her own way and eventually found herself single and pregnant at the age of 19. Scared with no one to reach out to, Amy felt alone and confused—so much so that she contemplated getting an abortion even though she knew it wasn’t the right choice. 

Amy went to an abortion clinic, and the sonogram technician told her that since she was almost seven weeks pregnant, her options were keeping the baby, giving it up for adoption, or having an abortion. Not knowing what to do, Amy went home, still scared and lonely. Then, out of the blue, her phone rang. It was Sacha, an old friend from high school who had gone through a pregnancy during their senior year. Amy told Sacha about her situation and the choices she was wrestling with. Encouraging and uplifting her, Sacha stayed on the phone until she was sure Amy knew that this pregnancy wasn’t the end. Sacha told Amy that it was just the beginning; God would be faithful to turn everything for good, and her baby was going to be a tremendous blessing.

A Gift from God

Amy chose to keep her baby and soon after, married the love of her life. She gave birth to a baby boy and decided to name him Jess, which means “gift from God.”

While at a women’s conference at Gateway Church in 2008, Amy heard Christine Caine talk about seeking God to find His calling for your life. On the last morning of the conference, God gave Amy a vision: She saw glimpses of her day at the abortion clinic, full of sadness and loneliness, but then the vision shifted to her full and happy life with her beautiful children and husband. It ended with her helping another single, pregnant woman and throwing a baby shower for her. Afterward, Amy spoke to her friend, Salina, who had been with her at the conference, and found out she had also received a word during the conference about helping “mommies and babies”!

The Beginning of Embrace Grace

Six months later, after several meetings and some training, Amy and Salina started an outreach for single, pregnant women called "Embrace Grace." This group ministers to young women by encouraging them and teaching them how God’s grace covers all; they simply need to receive His gift. Since the group began, they’ve witnessed many miracles and lives transformed. And it all began because Amy’s friend Sacha was sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading to pick up the phone and make a simple call.

Sacha and Amy were both where God wanted them to be … in the right place, at the right time. More importantly, they were sensitive to hear, believe, and obey the Holy Spirit. Because Sacha was willing to obey the Holy Spirit’s prompting to call her friend, not only was Amy’s life transformed, but ultimately, so was her family’s. And because of Amy’s obedience to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, the lives of every young woman who has and will come to the “Embrace Grace” support group has been transformed by God’s grace, acceptance, and love. 

Are you—like Sacha and Amy—tuned in to the Holy Spirit’s voice and sensitive to His leading? Ask the Holy Spirit today to show you specific ways to reach out and show His love to someone around you.

What does this mean for me?

Pause for a moment and look around—you are exactly where God has placed you, in this moment, for a purpose. Right now, you have the opportunity to reflect the love of Jesus to someone who needs it. What could that look like for you? Maybe it’s offering a meal to a person in need, reaching out to a friend God has placed on your heart, or finally inviting your neighbor to church. Whatever the Lord is prompting you to do (even if it feels small), be obedient to His voice today. You never know what God has planned for the other side of your obedience!

This article is part of the Let’s Go devotional, which is focused on fulfilling Jesus’ Great Commission. Follow along with the devotional here.