I've had many experiences of God answering my prayers - filled with questions and requests. I've mostly only shared those stories in updates on my social network. I'm going to share a powerful and most recent one now (I've had more smaller blessings and confirmations since then).
I wasn't running away from the work. I also knew God is with me wherever I am. I did not need to go to church to earn "holy points" (we don't earn points or stack up righteousness from good works, a topic for later maybe). But getting closer to God through teachings, reflections and fellowships is important to me. That was my priority, more important than my anxieties.
I am most productive when alone in a peaceful and quiet environment. Such venues were obviously hard to find in the city centre. Home alone was the best place. Undeterred, while praying and heading to church, I sent out a question on a social network asking people to share with me their hidden spots in the city for quiet praise and purposeful work.
I continued my quiet conversation with God; asked for the Holy Spirit to guide me; placed all my worries in His hand; and prayed for his cover of protection, favour, blessing and divine direction.
Walking through a main thoroughfare of a shopping centre to get to my church, already 10 minutes late, I felt a prompting. I noticed stairs as I walked past a restaurant. I kept walking but I felt the prompting again. So I stopped, turned around, looked up to the second floor balcony of a restaurant, and stopped in front of the lady I've never spoken to before. I asked her if the second floor will be open later. She said no, then asked for how many (willing to open it up for a group). I said only for myself. Within one second, did not have to think about it, she said yes. I said, great thank you! She said she was going to be very busy training two new wait staff, but look for her. She also added if she was not around she will tell the owner (gave me a name) that she said it was okay for me to use the upstairs. I thanked her again and left.
I rushed to church, reeling from what just happened!! God gave me a place to work! He immediately answered my prayers! Brimming with joy, I quickly shared the news on my social network. Then focused on the service. Where more confirmations and answers to other questions came. Especially about how to handle the (legal) issues in my mind.
I went back to the restaurant during lunchtime. It was very busy on the ground floor. The lady immediately picked up the menu to take me upstairs when she saw me. I said let me look at the menu and order from below so she did not have to go up and down too much. I ordered and said I did not want to bother them too much so I could go upstairs on my own. She said okay. I asked where she'd like me to sit. She said anywhere I liked. I thanked her and headed up.
I was spoilt for choice!! Second floor was huge, a little daunting, a lot indulgent. I chose a seat for two away from the stairs so I wouldn't hear the clinking of glasses and plates downstairs. I noticed that the air conditioning was whirring loudly. I was glad I brought my earplugs along.
As I settled in, the whirring sound stopped. Suddenly I was in a quiet spot! Praise God!
My pot of chamomile tea arrived. I was immediately engrossed in my work. Time past. I noticed my tea was running low, considered asking for more hot water but felt gratefully embarrassed. A few minutes later, a fresh pot of chamomile tea arrived, free! Followed by my delicious vegetarian focaccia. Then the restaurant owner went up, smiled quietly at me, did not disturb me, turned on the light for me, and left me in private. Suddenly the whole floor looked romantic! I was so blessed! I knew God was involved in all the nurturing and care I was being freely given! God placed me there in their care. I felt so loved, provided, comforted and energised!
I continued working, drinking and eating on the side. I sat there for hours undisturbed. Productive and satisfied. I wondered if the people helping me where of a certain faith. They did not know how God used them to answer my heartfelt prayers. Many people, even those who oppose God, gets used for the bigger plan. This understanding was revealed to me last year.
When I finished and was paying, I shared with the lady that God responded to my prayers through her. We talked briefly and quickly about faith, I could tell she was a giving person. She did not know why she agreed so quickly to letting me use the second floor and why they kept patrons away from it while I was there. We accepted that it was meant to be so. I explained to her that God answered all my requests and needs that day through them. God used them to show me He is with me and watching over me. I am in His hands. It was such an awesome testimony for both of us!
"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever."
- Psalms 118:1 -
"I will recount the steadfast love of the Lord, the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord has granted us, and the great goodness to the house of Israel that he has granted them according to his compassion, according to the abundance of his steadfast love."
- Isaiah 63:7 -
Two verses I randomly read this morning. :-)
"I will recount the steadfast love of the Lord, the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord has granted us, and the great goodness to the house of Israel that he has granted them according to his compassion, according to the abundance of his steadfast love."
- Isaiah 63:7 -
Two verses I randomly read this morning. :-)
