This morning I had to go to a client. As I arrived, a friendly lady welcomed me. I didn't recognize her face, so I asked her if she only started there recently. She told me that she was on sick leave at the beginning of the year, as they had to remove cancer and she had to undergo chemo therapy. Her braveness was striking, and she had peace about this that amazed me. After our short conversation she left to do her work, and as I was pondering on her words, God told me to pray for her. Being only human, I was too afraid to ask a total stranger to pray for her, because what if she is not a Christian or what if she has a funny response, or what if I couldn't heal her cancer, or what if there was another if I didn't even think about…?
“Instantly Jesus reached out His hand and caught and held him, saying to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” ~Matthew 14:31 (Amplified) As I was about to pack up, the lady came and offered me coffee. At first I said no, and after realising that I missed my second cup of coffee because of my appointment, I agreed. She happily left and made the coffee. Again God said to me, pray with her. And again I ignored His voice…because what if it is only one of the many voices in my own head telling me to do this? “I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do.” ~John 14:12 |
As I was preparing myself to leave, I realised that I can’t ask God to use me, if I’m not willing to move my feet. I had to trust Him, and I had to obey Him. God focused my thoughts on Psalm 23, and told me to pray this Psalm with her. I gathered myself, and started a conversation with her regarding the cancer she had. Heroically she told me that she assured her children that she will be okay, as God will heal her and He will provide for them. I was stunned by her fearless spirit, and by her ease to talk about it. And contrary to all the strange thoughts I had earlier, God unlocked the opportunity effortlessly for me. I opened the Bible app on my cell phone, and asked her if we could pray Psalm 23 together.
“The Lord is my Shepherd (to feed, guide, and shield me), I shall not lack. He makes me lie down in fresh, tender green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters. He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake. Yes, though I walk through the deep, sunless valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod (to protect) and Your staff (to guide), they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over! Surely only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord (and His presence) shall be my dwelling place.” ~Psalm 23 (Amplified)
“The Lord is my Shepherd (to feed, guide, and shield me), I shall not lack. He makes me lie down in fresh, tender green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters. He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake. Yes, though I walk through the deep, sunless valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod (to protect) and Your staff (to guide), they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over! Surely only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord (and His presence) shall be my dwelling place.” ~Psalm 23 (Amplified)
As we were praying this, I realized that this lady knew all the words. It came like she said it every day, as if she reminded herself about God’s great promises unceasingly. Tears started flowing down my cheeks, because I knew this prayer had more meaning than what I could ever imagine! Here I was standing next to a total stranger, praying together, and just sensing the presence of God. Feeling His love shining out of this beautiful person standing next to me. Experiencing His Spirit so intensely that I couldn't even talk! Realizing why God wanted me to pray with her. Sometimes God sends us to people, not because they need us, but because we need to see and feel His presence, and because we need to strengthen our own faith and not theirs! |
I stand in awe at the great works of our Creator, at how complete and exact His acts are, and how faithfully He moves us into a position to glorify His Name! And I thank Him for the opportunity I had to meet such a courageous person today, and how memorable the moment was.
May you all experience God’s love and blessing!
Love
Yolandi
May you all experience God’s love and blessing!
Love
Yolandi