Closer than you know
Yesterday I had the privilege to meet up with a young girl who I get together with every few weeks. She totally inspires me!
One of the things she told me was about her situation at work. She has a very tough job ministering to people in massive emotional, mental and spiritual need in prisons.
But every time I see her, without fail, she tells me of the amazing miracles that happen on a daily basis with her girls. Healings, restoration, hope and change. Wonderful, breathtaking truth!
One day, a few weeks ago, she had organised a speaker to come in and share his powerful testimony with those she works with. His life mirrored many that he spoke to. There were lots of nods and shared experiences of pain, hurt and loss.
At the end, my friend suddenly ‘came to’ and realised that she needed to speak and lead the response. She was overwhelmed with a desire to do this well, anxious not to ‘undo’ anything that had been said. The presence of God was in the room and she felt unworthy of getting up to say anything.
“What if I stuff this up God?” she said. “This is a life-changing moment for these people! I don’t want to get it wrong!”
Suddenly she felt a presence right next to her. Thinking it was the chaplain, she turned around to see. But there was no-one there. The sensation did not go away though. She had such a sense of the closeness of God.
‘How different do you feel now you know how close I am?’ she heard Him say, in the quiet of her heart.
35 of those listening made commitments that day. Many of the others there did not raise a hand because they have already come to know Jesus.
God is that close to you right now. Whatever you are worrying about. He is there. Whatever you have done wrong. He is there. Whatever you have left undone. He is there. Wherever you have been, He is there. How different would your life be if you really believed that RIGHT THIS MINUTE?
Breathe deeply my friend. God IS with you.