When was the last time you experienced a “God wink”? A special moment that touches your heart when you needed a boost of reassurance. It might’ve been unsolicited encouragement from a friend, confirmation from a stranger, or a song that brings back a special memory buried deep in your heart.
What are “God Winks?”
Most “God winks” involve things that would typically blend into the activities of the day. But then something happens that makes you go, “That was a God thing.”
“God winks” are challenging to describe because everyone experiences them differently. Maybe you’re running late, and a front-row parking spot opens as you pull up. Or it may be that you’re missing a loved one, then you see something they enjoyed—like a specific flower. They may happen only once, or the same “wink” might surface multiple times.
Whenever I experience a “God wink,” I feel like a child sharing a special secret with her father—a wink from Him, followed by a grin back from me.
“God winks” lead us to pause to say, “I know that was you, God.”
God Winks Through A Friend
While I was in the hospital for my “out-of-the-blue” double lung transplant, one of my dearest friends sent me text messages almost every day, even while I was in a coma and unable to read them. The texts included scriptures and encouraging words. She wasn’t expecting conversation or replies. Instead, she’d drop these daily treasures into my phone like gifts quietly left on a doorstep. They brightened my days more than you could ever imagine and were perfect “God winks.”
Below are three of the messages I received from my precious friend when I was fighting through the early stages of my recovery. I couldn’t walk without help, wasn’t able to see my family in person, and was at the complete mercy of the medical staff for all my needs.
I’m sure these “winks” felt random to my friend, but they weren’t. They were orchestrated by God and delivered the hope I needed at the moments I read each one. Reminders that He had not left my side.
The Encouragement
As you read them, I hope they deliver a “wink” to you, too.
June 6, 2020:
God is saying to you today, ” I will give you strength when you think you can’t go on. I will give you joy when you feel discouraged. I will make a way when it looks impossible.”
June 9, 2020:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
Dear Lord, I trust you. You’ve got a plan that I may not see right now, but I believe it will all unfold the right way at the perfect time. I am leaning on you.
June 15, 2020:
God says: “Stay patient. My timing is perfect. I have something bigger planned for you and trust Me, you’re going to love it.
Through these “God winks,” I gained strength and courage. They helped me keep the proper perspective on what was happening and served as a reminder that a bigger plan was in the works. One that I’ve been invited to join.
God Plans Ahead
Do you have someone who has been in your life for as long as you can remember? One who is in almost all of your childhood memories. God planned that friendship with the intent of using one, or both, of you for a specific purpose.
Although I don’t talk to my friend often, I cherish our friendship that started in grade school. God created this bond many years ago, knowing He would use her in my life countless times since.
I know beyond a shadow of a doubt God placed her in my life when we were kids knowing she would be the one to deliver these “winks” to me through the most traumatic time of my life. He placed it on her heart to send words I desperately needed to hear.
I haven’t told my friend this yet, but I’ve repeatedly opened that string of text messages to revisit the encouragement I received from her. And even more importantly, I’ve had opportunities to pass those words of encouragement on to others.
Can you think of something God organized in your life that has led to a means of delivering a “wink” to you? Are you able to see what He was planning ahead of a current need? Take some time to soak in those moments.
Your “God Winks”
Be intentional to look and listen for your “God winks.” Their delivery may be subtle, but the message they bring can be powerful. They’re being sent specifically for you from a Father who knows you personally.
The God of all creation desires to be in a close relationship with you. So much so that He takes opportunities to look directly at you to deliver divine winks, longing to see you grin and acknowledge His presence.
Don’t miss these precious moments with Him because you’re too busy and distracted.
Sharing “God Winks”
If you’ve experienced a “God wink” of your own, will you please share it in the comments below? I’m quite confident your experiences will be uplifting to those reading this post.
We can all use reassuring heart stories no matter where we are in life!
Send Them Anyway
Oh, and one more thing. Even when you may feel like you might be a burden by sending texts, send them anyway. The person receiving them will be grateful to know someone is thinking of them. And you never know, you may be delivering “God winks.”
God called me to work with children for many years through Sunday School, VBS, helping in Children Worship, and eventually leading Children Worship for ten years. I now work on the fringes as my body won’t keep up with the kids. As I have aged I often wonder if I made a difference. This year as I was working registration in VBS one of the girls from youth group said to me, “ I always liked when you talked. I miss that.” God wink. This girl was a very quiet shy girl that didn’t have much to say but when we were finished with our lesson and was waiting for “big church” to finish , she always had to show me how she was learning to do a cartwheel (Her mom says she still can’t do one). She is now very outspoken and a leader in the
youth group. God knew I needed a God wink. If she’s the only one that remembers Miss Lu and that she told them about Jesus , it was worth all the time, lessons, and years.