1 Corinthians 2:14
New International Version (NIV)
“The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.”

I typically give free consultations on the telephone. However, if a potential client insists that she have an office review of her papers, I charge a consultation fee. On one occasion, a politician from a small town in Georgia was not satisfied with my determination that I was unable to assist her in her case and insisted upon bring me documents to review in support of her plea for my assistance. I warned her that I would charge her a consultation fee for an hour at my then hourly rate.

She arrived, I collected her fee, I reviewed her file and came to the same conclusion. Further, the documents revealed her former lawyer had negotiated an agreement which included a waiver of her ability to appeal.

It was then that the Spirit directed me to give her the consultation check back. Well, I was not happy about that. I was in my early stages of discernment, and I obeyed.

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

As I gathered her papers to return to her, I placed the check on top exposing: “I am returning your check because the Spirit has directed me to do so and I try to obey when I am so directed. It is NOT out of the kindness of my heart, and it is NOT because I do not need this check. It is because I am learning to be obedient when the Spirit reveals actions for me to take.” At that point she broke down and cried. She told me ” I had to borrow the money for the consultation. I have helped many people in the past and now that I need support no one was there for me, and I LOST MY FAITH IN GOD.”

My simple act of obedience, helped her to see that God had not left her side. When God closes a door, we must look forward and give thanks to the one He will open. I only heard from her on one other occasion; she called to tell me she doing well.