The Book That Was Refused
At a hotel pool one evening, we struck up a friendly conversation with a family. I felt impressed to give the father a book. After we finished swimming, my son and I went back down specifically to deliver it.
To my surprise, the father declined.
Confused, I wondered why God had impressed upon me the need to make the effort, only to be told no. Still trusting, we returned to our room.
As we stepped off the elevator, a housekeeper was cleaning across the hall. She hadn’t been there before. I felt strongly impressed to speak with her.
She was deaf and unable to speak, but when I showed her the book and shared that God is still working today, her face lit up with overwhelming joy. Her gratitude was unmistakable. I went back and brought her another book on prayer as well.
Her response was profound. This was exactly what she needed.
If the man downstairs had accepted the book, I would not have had it in that moment. God had been leading all along.
Even when we don’t understand, He does. He is in charge. He is leading.
The Ministry of Children
On a flight home after a long trip, our daughters were seated in front of a woman named Aimee. They began interacting with her in the natural, joyful way children do. They colored pictures, passed them back and forth, and chatted with her throughout the flight.
Eventually, our 5-year-old asked, “Can we give her a book?”
After praying about it together, we felt like the Lord said “yes.” She passed God Still Lives back to Aimee, who received it joyfully.
The girls connected with this woman in a way we adults never could.
Praise God for the ministry of children.
The Switched Assignment
I arrived at the hospital that morning prepared to care for my first patient. I had reviewed his chart, formed a plan, and felt ready. As I began the interview, a colleague stepped in and said, “I’m taking care of this patient. You have a different assignment.”
I had already prepared for this one, but I’ve learned that when plans change outside my control, it’s best to trust God’s leading and remain flexible. So, I gladly switched and began preparing for the new patient.
As my conversation with my new patient came to a close, I asked if he would like me to pray with him, as I often do when patients seem open to it. Sometimes people say "no, thank you," but most of the time, they are so grateful to have someone pray for them. The Holy Spirit impressed me with specific things to pray for. When I finished, tears filled his eyes. “Thank you,” he said. “No one has ever done that for me.”
In that moment, I understood. God had rearranged the assignments so He could reach this man.
Later that day, I visited him post-operatively. He again expressed deep gratitude and encouraged me to continue this “missionary work.” He spoke of his own searching heart and questions about faith. Before leaving, I gave him a book, God Still Lives. He is older, his diagnosis is not good, and he is searching for truth. Please keep him in your prayers. I believe the Holy Spirit is working on his heart.
It was a simple prayer. Yet God used it in a profound way.
Call to Action
The more I step out in faith, the bolder I become. We don’t have time to worry about what others think. A small act of obedience may make an eternal difference for one soul.
“For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
Luke 19:10 (NLT)
Jesus is calling each of us to follow in His footsteps, to be full of fearless faith and follow His leading to save souls for Eternity.
“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10
Would you like to read and/or share God Still Lives with others?
- Download the book: God Still Lives
- Request Free Copies: God Still Lives
Unless noted otherwise, scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
