Psalm 121:2 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
The Lord never ceases to amaze me, even in the smallest things…
A recent sermon at church was on Biblical healing. Afterward, anyone who had chronic medical issues, health issues, or any prayer requests were asked to come forward. Several people were there to pray for those who had needs.
I was one of those pray-ers.
This is not something I would normally raise my hand, wave and say “I’ll do it! I’ll help!” As an introvert, this is way out of my comfort zone. My greatest fear was that I wouldn’t remember names. I’ve never been great with names. Since I turned 50, it has gotten much worse – especially when I’m under pressure. Praying for someone extemporaneously puts me under pressure. I needed to remember each name, so that I could pray personally for them. It would be awful to pray “Lord, please heal What’s-Her-Name.”
I knew the first few people that came to me for prayer. It was such an honor to be a burden bearer for them.
Then a young woman hesitantly approached, eyes downcast. I didn’t know her and hadn’t seen her around church. When she looked at me, her eyes seemed wide with fear. I imagined how hard it must have been. She was about to pour her heart out to a perfect stranger. She needed to trust me. I needed to call her by name, to ease her anxiety.
I reached for her hands and asked “What’s your name?”
“Jennifer.”
“Aw, my step daughter’s name is Jennifer! How can I pray for you?”
“Would you pray for me and my husband?”
“Jennifer, what’s your husband’s name?”
“Joshua.”
My eyes widened; my mouth formed an “O” of surprise. My son-in-law’s name is Joshua. Now, I realize those are common names, but what are the odds that I would get to pray for a couple named Jennifer and Joshua? And that I could so easily remember their names, because I have my own Jennifer and Joshua?
I prayed, then gave Jennifer a tight, tight hug before she left. I stood there, in awe of God…how personal and intimate He is. If He answered my little bitty mustard seed prayer of faith to remember names, I know He must have moved mountains for others!
Jesus said “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.” Matthew 17:20
Photography by John Chauvin
Awesome testimony! God is so good. When we step out in faith, he will do the rest. Thanks for sharing, friend.
Thanks so much Abby!
Beautiful friend- how about that GOD?There are no coincidents with HIM is there? HE is so good even in the little things! Hugs! Beautiful read!
Thanks my friend! I have been thinking of you this week. Need to send you a “catch-up” e-mail and see how you are doing! Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you, Ellen. Just for reference, my name is ‘Unk’, and He will know who you’re talking about.
Who are you?? You look familiar, but I forgot your name! Hee hee!
Beautiful story! God is SO good! I know you must have been such a blessing to Jennifer.
Kathryn, I am in awe of His faithfulness! His is such a personal and awesome God! Thanks so much for stopping by!
I love stories like this. Not a coincidence for sure!
Thank you Lee Ann! He continues to amaze me! I think I write the stories more for me to look back and see His faithfulness than for anything else! Thanks so much for stopping by!
I am so glad your church would offer prayer one on one for those hurting. And for this special Jennifer with a husband named Josh, now that was amazing. Thank you for sharing your awesome post with us here at “Tell Me a Story.” http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/
Also thanks so very much for your visit to my blog Joyful Noise and your precious comment.
Thank you sweet Hazel for stopping by!
What an amazing story, Ellen! Unbelievable about the names. God had a special purpose in bringing that young woman to you for sure!
Thank you Betsy! I don’t know why I am so amazed when God does something God-sized! He is faithful!
I LOVE the photos; I’m a mountain addict, having been raised around the Cascades as a kid and youngish person. Now, seeing your pieces of words and your photos just grabbed my attention. Thank you much!
So glad you enjoyed! My sweet hubby takes most of the pix. I told him it’s time for another vacation so he can get me more blog photos! Thanks for stopping by!
Sometimes our prayers seems small or insignificant, as do our worries and fears. I’m glad that God let you know that he was listening to yours when he gave you names to pray for that you would easily remember! Thanks for subscribing to my weekly email!
Thanks for stopping by Kirsten! Yes, I am constantly amazed at how personal He is. I look forward to your 31 small steps to grow your blog posts. Appreciate you!