I woke up with a nasty head cold this morning and considered calling in sick to work, but decided rather to go and trust God for the strength I would need. I am so grateful I went! God's strength is made perfect in weakness.
Meet "Abby" (not her real name) - a beautiful young lady in her early twenties. She has a pretty face, but the the pain and hardships of life are also noticeable in her deep set eyes and by her half-smile. In the course of conversation, her pain comes barreling out - Abby needs your prayers. She has recently made a choice to come clean from a heroin addiction...again. Abby is facing a lot of discouragement and disappointment...again. "Hope" is not a word she comprehends very well and loneliness has been her daily existence. My heart broke for Abby. I shared with her the truth about the Love of God, and that she can know this love, know her Creator, and know real peace and hope by trusting in Jesus and surrendering her life to Him.
Was that a twinkle of hope I saw in her dark eyes? Abby said, "Yes! I need that!" She prayed and asked the Lord to take over. God - You're amazing.
Meet "Marta" (not her real name) - a beautiful young lady in her early twenties. She has a pretty face, but the pain and hardships of life are also noticeable in her tear filled eyes. Marta is originally from a Slavic nation and her family is Muslim by culture - but not necessarily devout religious followers of Islam. Marta is terrified, fearing life will never be the same. She needs your prayers. Marta has an incurable, but non-life threatening sexually transmitted disease. She has kept this secret from everyone for months and months - hasn't even sought medical help yet. She's filled with shame, guilt, loneliness and anxiety. She doesn't sleep well, has recurrent headaches and fears the absolute worst. My heart broke for Marta. I shared with her about another young lady who found herself in a similar situation thousands of years ago - who felt shame and judgment. But then I shared with her about Jesus - who wouldn't cast a stone at her, although He could have. I shared with her about the love and forgiveness of God, and that she can know this love, know her Creator, and know real peace and hope by trusting in Jesus and surrendering her life to Him.
That's right...Marta said "Yes" too. :) I can not tell you how much I enjoyed hearing the confession of faith coming from the lips of a scared little Muslim girl.
Amazing grace.
Beautiful. We truly serve an incredible God.
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