Submitted by Robin Wiley from: (GuidePosts March 2021, Beth Gormong, “What Prayer Can Do”, pg 51.)
RW Comment: I enjoy reading the GuidePost magazine because it is a quick read filled with encouragement and stories of God’s grace and love poured out through people’s lives. I hope you experience a little of those gifts this week in your own story!
Divine Introduction
As far back as I can remember, I’ve been terribly, paralyzingly shy. As a little girl, I would hide behind my mother’s legs whenever she talked to anyone – even people I knew. But you’re an adult now, I chided myself, looking out the window at the farmhouse across the street. You’re too old to be scared to introduce yourself?
Living in the country, I didn’t have many neighbors. When a couple moved in across the street a few months earlier with their three children, I imagined myself bringing over a pie, the way people do in novels. Maybe we’d even become friends, borrowing sugar from each other and chatting over coffee. But I couldn’t seem to get myself to cross the street. I just knew I’d say something wrong, embarrass myself in some way. It was safer to stay home, even if the sight of their house now made my stomach tighten into a ball of anxiety.
Lord, I want to be a good neighbor, I prayed. But I need your help!
Children’s voices drifted through the window as the mom came outside with the kids. Most folks could go out on the porch and wave. Not me, I turned on my computer and checked my e-mail, instead.
One message was from my pastor. He was writing about an organization I’d joined, a community group to support church couples who had foster children. We would bring over meals once a week, volunteer for babysitting. Turns out, I’d been named as group leader, the person who would have the most personal contact with the families involved.
Oh, no! I thought. I didn’t ask for that.
Reading further, I got some details about the people I’d been assigned: my new neighbors. Not long after, with the others in my group for support, I finally went over, knocked on the door and introduced myself to Justin and Danielle, who are today my good friends. I might never have gotten across the street on my own, so God found a way to give me a gentle push.
Prayer:
Father God - You are always at work – doing good things in this dark world. Thank you for being the bright light shining through the darkness. Teach me to shine my light brightly, to trust in your perfect will and glorify You in all that I do. In Jesus’ holy name – Amen!