“Light in the messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.”
Proverbs 15: 30
I love encouraging stories.
Story # 1. This summer, I met a little girl who is about 7 years old. She was riding her bike. She stopped to introduce herself to me. She told me, “My mom was told she would never have children, but here I am - I am a miracle”. I could not help but smile. This little girl is a Christ follower and the light of Christ shines through this dear one every day.
Story # 2. On Sunday we had a new lady at church. My husband, Bill, told me that God healed this woman. She was at the front door of our church receiving a lunch along with many others. She shared that her foot was not well and deeply painful; this had been the case for quite a while now. Someone offered to pray for her and God healed her.
On Sunday the woman came to church and told Bill this story. She was so excited. She said, “I’d like to come to your church now, if I may. I’m so thankful for what has happened to me.”
If there is one thing, I can tell you about the dear people we minister to on the streets, they are not people with many resources or solutions to what ails them. When we pray for them, we often see eyes shut tight and earnestly calling out to God.
Story # 3. Last Saturday there was another street involved woman who came up to our church to worship. She has been deteriorating for some time. She struggles with mental illness and hears voices, until she comes into our Saturday night worship service. It reminds me of my brother who would also hear voices. As I prayed over him quietly, he asked me what I am I doing? I told him, I am praying for you. He said, “when you do that, all the voices stop.” When Bill was praying for this woman on Saturday night, peace filled her heart. She described the quiet that comes to her in our place.
We may not have a fancy sanctuary, but God is there, and He meets people where they are. I praise God for all the lives He has touched and brought hope to over so many years.
We are not without hope! God loves us and sees us. He knows our suffering and what is discouraging us today. I pray that He will meet your needs and calm your fears. You are not alone.
Maybe you have an encouraging story that you can share with someone you know today. It brings health to our bones according to this Proverb!
Dear Father,
Thank You for the great things You are always doing. Thank You for who You are. Restore hope and peace to my heart.
In Jesus Name,
Amen