Yesterday, I wrote a devotion on patience. I truly believed it was a word the Holy Spirit had given me for someone else, perhaps a friend, someone at church, or a reader who needed a reminder to wait well. I shared it, convinced it was a timely encouragement for someone out there.

Just a few hours later, I stood, checking my watch, waiting for a sign that church could begin. Minute by minute, passing with no movement, I began to grow impatient. First one minute late. Then two. And just like that, the irony struck me. The word I thought was for someone else? It was for me.

The Holy Spirit had spoken and I had misdirected the message.

How often do we do this? We hear a convicting word and immediately think, “So-and-so really needs to hear this.” Or we shrug it off, thinking, “That can’t be God talking to me. I’m fine in that area.” We may even disqualify ourselves from receiving the message by assuming it’s meant for someone more needy, more broken, or even more spiritual than we are.

The voice of the Lord is personal. It’s intimate. Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice.” That means He speaks with the expectation that we will listen. Not just for others. Not just for teaching or posting or preaching. But for ourselves.

Sometimes, God gives us a word that echoes outward to others, but first, it has to take root in our own hearts, a seed planted in humility, a truth embraced before it’s shared.

Yesterday, I learned that patience isn’t just a virtue I can write about. It’s a discipline I still need to grow in. And I’m grateful for the gentle way God showed me that. No shame. No condemnation. Just a loving nudge: This one’s for you. 😉

What message might God be trying to get to you today?