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There are moments when the name of an old friend suddenly comes to mind. We shrug it off, promise ourselves we’ll call later—and then life moves on. But what if that moment was not an accident? What if it was the Holy Spirit gently nudging us to pick up the phone? These nudges may seem small, but they can be sacred whispers from the Holy Spirit, inviting us to be instruments of love and grace.
Imagine this scenario. You suddenly, out of the blue, feel an inner nudge to call an old friend. You don’t immediately act on it. Not long afterwards, you receive a card in the mail telling you your friend had suddenly passed away. Your chance to call is gone. If you would have called when you felt the nudge, you could have spoken with your friend before their unexpected death. Has this ever happened to you? Have you ever had the thought to call someone and later regretted not calling? I think most of us can relate to this situation.
Most of us have experienced the sting of a missed opportunity. We had good intentions, we thought about reaching out, but we didn’t. And then it was too late. When that happens, it leaves a scar on our hearts. We whisper, “If only I had called.” Those words cut deeply because they cannot be undone.
The imagined scenario above serves as a warning. Life is fragile. None of us knows the day or the hour, for ourselves or for those we love. That means today is the only day guaranteed to us. If a name crosses our mind, maybe we should see it as God’s invitation to act now.
Jesus promised us the Spirit would guide us, and sometimes that guidance comes as a quiet thought we almost ignore. We may never know what that friend is going through. They could be sick, lonely, grieving—or they could be fine but would still love to hear from us. A phone call, even a short one, could be exactly what they need in that moment.
And it’s not only for them. Reaching out blesses us too. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Paul wrote, “Encourage one another and build one another up.” A call is one of the simplest ways to do that. It costs nothing, but it can bring a priceless gift of comfort and hope.
The song below has always epitomized the value of friendship and how our kind words can raise someone up.
Still, we hesitate. We wonder, “What if they’re too busy? What if it feels awkward? What if too much time has passed?” Yet most of the time, people are not only willing to talk—they’re grateful. Think of it this way: if your name came into someone else’s mind, wouldn’t you want them to call? Even if the conversation feels brief or imperfect, the act of reaching out speaks volumes.
At the end of our lives, very few will say, “I wish I had spent more time staring at screens.” But many will say, “I wish I had called more people I loved.” Each call we make now is one less regret later.
The Christian life is, at its core, about love. We sometimes overcomplicate it, but love often shows itself in small, ordinary acts: a call, a note, a visit. These little choices matter. They bring God’s love into the world in a way that is personal and real.
So here is a gentle challenge: the next time someone’s name comes to mind, stop and pray for them. Then don’t put it off. Call them. Let the Spirit’s nudge move you. In fact, why don’t you call someone as soon as you finish reading this message? That one call could make a difference in ways you may never know. And even if it feels small, love is never wasted.
Don’t delay—love doesn’t wait.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of friendships in my life. Thank You also for the gentle promptings I receive from Your Holy Spirit. Help me to be faithful in following these nudges. Guide me today to those who need a call. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
AMDG
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Please take a moment to share your thoughts about today’s message below.
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Dear Brian
You are so right with your suggestion today – When we feel that nudge – that thought – we need to make the right choice and touch base.
Recently my husband and I heard how someone we knew had moved to a nursing home and we had not seem him for quite a while because of his illness.
We made a decision quickly and went to see him and thank goodness we did this because he passed away shortly after that. This is the one time where our decision was made correctly and we thank God for that nudge
Yes, a good & timely reminder. I made a call last night & will make another today. Thank you, Gayden.
I had been trying to reconnect with an old friend for years but didn’t have a way. Periodically, I had messaged her sister on Facebook to tell her to pass a message on for me. Then it had been years and her sister’s name came up on my Facebook contacts list. She’s not a Facebook friend and I had never seen her on the list before. I knew I had to reach out again so I did. She told me my friend was now back on Facebook and I reconnected with her. I’m so happy I didn’t ignore what I truly believe was a God wink. The next day, I found out that a close childhood had died. Being able to reconnect with a friend made all the difference at that time. God is always looking out.
Gretchen
Thank you for sharing your story!
Brian
Hi Brian,
This is an especially important message for those of us who have relocated to other areas of the country and left good friends behind. Thanks for the reminder to keep in touch with those we love,
Peggy
Thanks for your post.
Brian
Good morning Brian
This is a wonderful message. Putting it off and being too late to reach out has happened to me.
Thank you for the reminder.
Ellis
Ellis
Thanks for your honest sharing!
Brian
Thank you Brian,
I am going to call a dear friend right now.
God bless you. Keep listening to God and sharing with us.
Yolanda