Saturday, November 14, 2009

Overwhelmed...by God's goodness

This morning I attended an event at church called Arise! Cry Out! - a Worldwide Day of Extraordinary Prayer for Children and Schools sponsored by Moms In Touch International (MITI). Can you imagine the power harnessed by mothers from 130 countries simultaneously praying for the children of the world? You know that definitely moves God's heart.

And when His heart is moved, things happen.

Let me tell you what He did for me today.

They needed ushers for the event so I volunteered. As a result I had to sit in the back at one of the designated usher's chairs. When it was time to pray, I joined a group of ladies towards the front. On the way back to my seat I noticed a latecomer. She was an older lady, mid-70's, sitting by herself at the very last pew. She looked like she wanted to be left alone. During the next prayer session, instead of going back to my former group, I approached the lady instead. Hesitating a little, I asked her if it's okay to pray with her. She smiled and nodded.

She motioned for me to go first. I started praying that my college freshman find a good bible believing church close to Stanford and for him to continue in his Christian walk. I also prayed for my younger son who is still home. I heard her laugh when I mentioned that my little one is challenging but he keeps us on our toes. When it was her turn, she prayed for her daughters. I listened intently to her prayers so I can agree with her. Then all of a sudden I heard "Menlo Park" and "Palo Alto." Huh? At first I thought I did not hear her correctly. It turns out she is familiar with the area and knows of not just one, but TWO good "sound" churches within a mile of campus.

I mean, can you believe it?

There were a hundred women at that church this morning. Of all the ladies that I could have sat next to - God led me to the one who has two daughters living in the Palo Alto area. I looked down and was surprised to see the tear stains on my jeans. I just cried. And cried. And cried some more at God's goodness. Later on, she came to my seat and gave me a piece of paper with the names of the churches AND the service times. She also gave me her contact info. Then she left.

I said a prayer for her.

Oh, my heart is just overwhelmed and my eyes swollen from tears of gratitude to our wonderful, wonderful God. He hears our cries. He answers our prayers. Sometimes there's a wait. Sometimes immediately that you can almost hear Him whisper, "I am here."

My faith is renewed. My desire to pray more is strengthened. I am standing in the gap.

Thank you, Lord Jesus!

10 comments:

Joyful said...

Oh, how beautiful. You listened to God's prompting to go over and connect with this elderly lady, and through your obedience the Lord answered your prayer. Thank you for sharing this precious God story. Absolutely beautiful.

I didn't realize Moms in Touch gatherings went beyond the High School years. Oh how I would love to connect with women and pray for my son. Recently the burden to pray for our children has magnified in my heart. I think watching my nephew walk away from the Lord has heightened the truth that there are no guarantees. Prayer is necessary and God is the only One who can keep His hand on them and keep them from turning away. Wondering and praying about what the Lord would desire me to do with this desire He has placed in my heart to be more intentional about praying for my son.

Have a blessed day,
Joy

Unknown said...

I am so moved for you , and by you.
And I am profoundly impressed that while we all have our own unique lives, what is at the core of so many of us, regardless of the day to day living of them, is the Amazing Grace.
Rest in this.

Deb said...

He always. Always blesses obedience.

Sweet dreams.

Deborah Ann said...

I love it when God makes all these connections! Praise the Lord!

Unknown said...

Oh I love it when God orchestrates such beautiful connections! Thanks for sharing such an inspiring story of God reaching down into your moment and whispering His love in ways beyond our imagination.

I've got to look into Moms In Touch to see if they are in my area.

Prayers and blessings,
Rebecca

Jess said...

oh, wow! isn't that JUST like Him! awesome story...

love
jess

Aine Willis said...

I love this Grace and Peace. How good God is ... He knows exactly what we need and he provides it. I pray your college student finds joy and peace in the churches near campus. Thanks for stopping by my blog and sharing with me about your mom. I am so sorry for your loss. We just lost a young woman from our church to lung cancer, no one in her family has ever smoked and the form of cancer was one usually found in habitual smokers. I hope you fave a blessed Thanksgiving. God Bless :)

Joyful said...

Just came back to thank you for your prayers today. Your comments on my blog, especially yesterday and today, were such an encouragement. Thank you so much.

I should know the results of my tests by Monday...possibly tomorrow. Continuing to trust.

Hugs,
Joy

Unknown said...

Thanks for the cyber hug.. I do find such peace in the outdoors, regardless of weather.
Hope you are having a great Thanksgiving .

Joyful said...

Just back again to thank you for your prayers this morning. I was accompanying my sister to the hospital as her husband had a small surgical procedure done. All went well, although longer than we expected, and I am just getting home now. Trusting the Lord with the results.

Hope you have a great weekend. We're attending a Christmas musical performance tonight at the University my son hopes to attend next year. Praying for travelling mercies...and no snow...although it is in our forecast. :)

Blessings,
Joy