Saturday, 12 August 2023

GOD DOES ANSWER PRAYER

 I believe God wants me to share this story of answered prayer, especially for those of you who have been praying for me since I moved into a Care Home, that though I was disabled in many ways, that God would use me there.

Such a wonderful answer to prayer. It begins with Ross praying over the telephone.

We had a dear lady with dementia, very frightened and confused, but also very strong in body. She thought it was her task to care for us all. Unfortunately, I had upset her and now she was acting aggressively to anyone who came near her. I had apologised but she would never forgive me. She was behaving aggressively to everyone within reach I phoned a friend and asked him to pray for peace in this situation. No sooner had he said Amen and I had put the phone down than I looked up and this lady was at my bedroom door.

She was not supposed to come upstairs, but she had been exploring. Gently I welcomed her, holding out my arms and she walked into them. Amazingly Matron then appeared and took her downstairs, but this dear lady has treated me as her friend ever since. Her language and behaviour might not be all that might be desired, but I think we are all trying to use more understanding and the staff are keeping her busy with little jobs, for she still thinks she is here to look after us all.

I know that I am very privileged to be a resident in such a wonderful caring home. Though it had meant giving up my independent living in my spacious two-bedroom flat, the Lord had assured me that I would still be a missionary.  But I am no longer coming in as a preacher as when Joel, my husband and I used to take a service so long ago. They all know I go to church. How else would they know it was Sunday if it were not for Pauline going to church?

https://unsplash.com/photos/PQh98AX_uJE
But today I walked through the lounge to find this lady standing alone, maybe wondering where she was and what she was supposed to be doing, so I walked up to give her a little cwtch. She responded
gratefully.

‘You’re happy aren’t you.’ It was a statement, not a question, and went on, ‘You’ve got Jesus, but somehow I can’t get through.’

Not the time or place for a prayer, but a door wide open as God again wonderfully answers prayer. I believe he will lead this lady, and others too through her, to find this peace and joy that we have through Jesus our wonderful Saviour.

So thank you, praying friends. Let’s keep on praying and seeing God answer our prayers.

Meanwhile I am marvelling at what God has done in my life.  I remember when I first began to attend a little Apostolic church and someone chose a hymn, ‘I feel like singing all the time.’

How could that be true for anyone? It certainly wasn’t for me. I so soon would tumble into a pit of depression.  But now, as this dear lady had seen, Jesus is with me all the time and yes, I am happy.

And if ever depression does try to intrude then I know it is time to praise the Lord, yes, and to count my blessings.