The other night, my daughter chose for us to watch the movie “Harriet Tubman”, which in itself was a blessing to see her desired choice, and to also witness in film-version the Lord’s inspirational effect upon Harriet in how He led her and used her mightily to set others free from the evil forces of spiritual darkness in American slavery, but it also reminded me of a supernatural encounter I had many years ago in the subways, which I shared with my daughter after the movie to affirm whatever it was the Lord might be speaking to her through Harriet’s inspirational story. It also spoke to me.
After I first started witnessing on the NYC subway platforms in obedience the Lord’s leading, over 20 years ago, I knew the Lord also wanted me to witness inside the train cars, which I was more fearful to do. But one day while on the platform at 42nd street, as I was resisting the Lord, an old African-American women suddenly appeared preaching and speaking convicting and encouraging words that seemed directed to me, for example: “you know when the Lord is talking to you and you have to do what it is He is telling you to do…you have to trust Him and not be afraid”.
Then she left and a train pulled up, and I knew what the Lord was telling me, as He led me to enter into the subway train car with faith in the midst of fear. After the doors closed behind me and I leaned back against them to pray, I heard the audible voice of the Lord, God the Father, speak to me the words, “Listen to Me, and open your mouth to speak”. By grace I obeyed and overcame my fear to bear witness to Jesus Christ in this way I was led to, and have been since among other ways, to the glory of God and in love for others who might never otherwise hear the Gospel.
Afterwards as I reflected, I could not stop thinking how there was something different, special, and mysterious, about this old woman I encountered who was sent to encourage me. And then I had an epiphany, that this woman was, or had the spirit of, Harriet Tubman, as John the Baptist had the spirit of Elijah, and was Elijah, if the disciples could accept it. And so, I was inspired to name the subway ministry the Underground Railroad NYC, in tribute to Harriet, and I continued in obedience and in love for the Lord and the lost, evangelizing people there and elsewhere as the Lord leads.
I share this to encourage you to listen for God’s voice and leading in your life, no matter how unimaginable it might be, to be open to dreams and visions from the Lord, that you might grow in your relationship with God and share deeper in His work and purposes, especially His desire to reach the people of all nations with the Good News of His Son whom He gave to the world so that people would not perish, but instead have eternal life through Him.
To quote Harriet:
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”
– Harriet Tubman –
So, dream big in the Lord in 2023, and then start moving towards what the Lord tells you to do.