She said she had cancer. We weren’t super close, but I knew her reasonably well. When I heard the news, I was overwhelmed with the need to pray for her at her feet. So I did. I told her about Jesus. I went to her office almost every Wednesday and prayed with her and for her. My church was praying for her along with my family. For some reason, she was always on my heart.
Six months later, we found out she did not have cancer. I was angry, but it also confused me. Why did God lead me to her office to pray with her nearly every Wednesday? Clearly, she did not need those prayers.
I felt duped. Maybe that nudging to go to my co-worker and pray with her wasn’t from God. Why would He allow me to put so much into what He knew was a lie?
Time and more prayer brought me to the realization that she needed those prayers very much. Just not in the way I first thought. Hopefully, the seed was planted for her to meet Jesus through our encounters. She spent time in prison, so she had time to spend with Him.
“For we do not have an enduring city here; instead, we seek the one to come. Therefore, through Him, let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.” Hebrews 13:14-16 CSB
This world is not our home. I know this. But honestly, I want people to have joy here on this side of heaven. I don’t just want everyone to be happy; I want them to know the fullness of joy, to experience the love of a Savior that died for them. I want them to know they are chosen, they are love, and they are redeemed.
This woman needed to know that she is chosen, loved, and redeemed. She needed to know that no matter what she did, Jesus died for her.
It’s selfish of me to want people to have perfection here on earth, and it’s unrealistic. Our world is broken. There is going to be pain, heartache, and unfulfilled dreams. But this world is not our home.
When we know Jesus, we know that death has no sting. We will leave this broken world for perfection. When we know Jesus, we know that God has given each of us a unique purpose to advance His kingdom.
God wasn’t surprised that my co-worker faked cancer. And we know from Genesis 50:20 that He will use evil for good. I still pray that she will come to know Jesus as her Savior if she doesn’t already. I am so thankful that I can trust God knows why even when I don't understand what is going on.
My friend, this world is not your home. You will face trials, grief, unfairness, and so much more. But take heart! Jesus has overcome this world for you to have the fullness of joy in your permanent home.
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