I met this girl about a year ago at church. She’s been coming to church since then. She even signed up to do one of my Bible studies and completed our eight weeks together. Over the course of the year, I’ve watched her struggle, as we all do. She and I have prayed and talked a lot about persevering and keepin’ on, but it seems EVERY time she is close to a break through satan’s lies get the best of her.
The Father of Lies tells her . . .
she can’t leave her former life behind
she isn’t good enough to live a full life
she can’t be useful with sins in her life
she’s so bad no one will love her
she’s too sinful to come to church
she shouldn’t serve until she’s perfect
I kept filling her with God’s truth . . .
she is a new creation
she can have a full life through Jesus
she is most useful, even with sin
she’s loved so much that God sacrificed His son for her
she needs to be in church NO MATTER WHAT to be filled with encouragement
she’ll never be perfect so serve God through it
We’d take three steps forward and two steps back. It’s literally been a dance with this precious woman. She’ll never know how much I care. She’ll never understand how much she’s taught me. She’ll never grasp the fullness of what God has to offer without PRAYER.
I wore the bracelet for months. I prayed. I cried with her as she hit wall after wall. I pleaded with God on her behalf every time I looked at that bracelet.
I never told the girl that I had the bracelet and was praying for her in such a way. She bounced into class one night on cloud nine. She had just completed her last probation class! We all rejoiced. I pulled her aside and slipped the bracelet off my arm, reached for her wrist to slip it on to. I gave her the bracelet telling her the story of prayer behind it.
She cried. I cried. God is so good.
What I didn’t realize is that she was so touched, she told others. The next morning I received this email and I was blessed . . .
(Said friend) showed us her bracelet tonight and told about how you gave it to her. I just wanted to say THANK YOU! How thoughtful you are. Those things will stay with her forever I imagine. The bracelet is super awesome because she can always look down and see it and remember that you were proud of her and how God is also. It may be the saving grace one day when times get rough as they so often do. I wish I had thought to do something but I guess God has it all mapped out and thats okay with me. From now on, I will pay more attention to those opportunities I hope. Opportunities to do something for someone to let them know that we support them and are here for them……..and that we love them……..ahhh. you are my kind of person Alene.
The story of the bracelet isn’t about me. It’s about doing something special for someone who is struggling. It doesn’t have to be something grand, it just needs to represent a sincere thought from your heart; a smile, hug, card, cookie, prayer, sandwich, bracelet.
After all, isn’t that our purpose? To serve others. To lift them up. To pray for them. To encourage others. To do small things that mean so much. Do I always get it right? NO! That’s a Big NO! But I do pray for more opportunities to get it right.
What I thought was just a simple thing to do to remind me to pray, God blessed ten-fold!
How have you seen God magnify a little thing you’ve done to touch others?
HI Alene,
What a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing. I am writing about my journey to becoming content. Its amazing how struggling with your past can put a damper on your contentment level!
looking forward to more of your posts
Blessings,
carmen
Thanks for your beautiful post! I am writing 31 days to becoming content. It's amazing how satan can use our pasts to diminish our contentment!
Looking forward to more posts!
So Sorry! I'm having major computer problems this morning! Computer keeps shutting down and I thought I was losing my comment-so disregard if there are duplicates!
Great blog!
You sound like an amazing person! Thank you for helping her get through that rough patch.
Yes Alene our purpose is to serve others but boy do I have a hard time with not throwing my own pity parties or wanting a parade in my honor for serving others. Pride is an evil thing and a bracelet or any token is a great way to remind us to think of others. I have a charm on my purse that reminds me to pray for a friend!
Great story. Your faith & love inspire me to do better and be better. thanks for sharing.
What a wonderful story! It is so simple when we hear God's leading and do it and then share it!
Thanks for the encouragement to just do something!
Connie
Hi Alene, thank you for sharing this. It is a good reminder to pay attention to those around us and do heartfelt things to encourage and support them. It's also a good reminder to live slowly enough to see the opportunities.
What a beautiful story. You've clearly touched her deeply.
Thank you for sharing! That young woman will always remember your guidance and support.
I've experienced what she has experienced. It seems like every time something goes good, then Satan comes in, and tries to tear me down once more.
With God All Things Are Possible! :) I love that verse! Phil 4:13, it's my life verse.
Thank you for sharing this story. I need to do more for others than what I do.
Hi Alene! So good to read your encouragement here. What an amazing touching story. It is always so good to be reminded of how amazing our God is.
Beautiful.
Love your comments – they are so encouraging. Yet challenging, that I"ll keep my eyes and ears open to hear of others needs. Thanks!
Awe! This is so sweet!
I have a friend who struggles, he is away right now getting help. I didn't get to say goodbye and I don't know when he will be back. I miss him. I keep asking myself, asking God, did I do the right things, say the right things? Was I of any help to him? Was I where you wanted me, Lord?
You have answered my question, Alene. You mentioned cookies twice! lol