God Speaks Through a Newspaper

When my church started planning a trip to India, I did my best to avoid going. I had excuses lined up—too far, too expensive, too inconvenient. But God had other plans.

My daughter and I finally went to an informational meeting. Afterward, as we walked to the car, something surprising happened. Almost in unison, we both said, “I’m going to India.” It was as if the Holy Spirit had whispered the same confirmation to each of us at the exact same time.

That night, I prayed a very specific prayer:

“Father, if this is really Your will, would You please confirm it through an article about India in next week’s Sunday paper?”

The next Sunday, I started flipping through the Sunday paper.  I got to the Lifestyle section of the Des Moines Register—and there it was. A full-color, full-page feature titled “Exotic India.” Near the end of the article, one sentence jumped off the page:

“It is well worth the time to visit.”

I was ecstatic! One week earlier, I had asked for confirmation through that very newspaper. God had answered—clearly, personally, and in perfect timing. (Article above is the one I read that Sunday.)

Reflection

God still speaks today. His voice may not always be loud or dramatic—it may come through a song, a text, a conversation, or even the pages of a Sunday newspaper. He knows our hearts, our doubts, and our need for reassurance. And He delights in meeting us in ways that are personal and unmistakable.

When we ask Him for guidance, He responds—not always in the way we expect, but always in a way that shows His care and His timing.

Prayer

Father, thank You for speaking in ways that are personal and unique to each of us. Help me to trust that You see my needs, know my heart, and will guide me when I seek You. Open my ears to hear Your voice, and give me the courage to follow where You lead. Amen.