“Thanks, Lee, that’s really great.”
I can’t even remember what her name is now. Its been well over six years since we sat in that dark corner of the church foyer at two tables pushed into a square. She was thin with short dark hair and probably ten years my senior.
I’d just read her a verse I’d picked out and had prayed over her for the last week. She was a new believer, if she was a believer at all, and I’d sensed she needed encouragement and an opportunity to see how relevant God’s word was. Is. And so she thanked me and told me that she appreciated my prayers and the verse.
Three months later, as we packed up to move to Michigan, the tables turned and it was that same brunette who held the mirror to me to shine truth back. This time she was the one who penned the words to coach and encourage. It went something like this…
“Dear Lee,
I’m glad you are finally getting the resolution you have been hoping for! Moving to be around family. I know you have been anxious and unsettled about the moving process and how it will effect your new little family. I hope your knack for picking out verses for people will help get you through this spot. I think the words you gave each of your friends in Bible Study are appropriate for you now. Time for you to apply your words. Time for you to be the one to claim peace and faith.
Best Wishes,
Skinny Brunette”
Okay, so I *actually* have no idea if that was even close to the original first four sentences of her card. But I’m certain those were the gist of the final two.
Those words stung and brought me great embarrassment. Someone saw an area of unbelief in me.
So, why share? Because today I found myself applying faith to one of my sweet friend’s situations believing whole-heartedly that my God is with her. HE is holding her. He has a plan for her. And in the next moment despairing from lack of peace about a difficult relationship we are involved in.
That still small voice brought Skinny Brunette’s voice to my mind and spirit again.
Time for you to apply your words.
Time for you to be the one to claim peace and faith.
And so I busted out an oldie but a goodie.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways, acknowledge Him,
and He will direct your path.” Proverbs 3:5&6
Enough whining and despairing.
Time to apply faith.
Sometimes, these tough times are gifts… because we realize we can’t get through them in our own strength, but ONLY by his power. Memorizing Eph 1: 17-20 “I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the GLORIOUS FATHER, would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of HIM. I pray that the percention of your mind may be enlightened so you may know what is the HOPE of His CALLING, what the GLORIOUS RICHES of HIS inheritance among the saints and what is the IMMEASURABLE GREATNESS of HIS POWER to us who BELIEVE, according to te working of HIS VAST STRENGTH…
Love you precious daughter!