just Peachy thoughts

So I feel compelled to share with you something incredible that God did in someone else’s life. Actually, I guess it’s not that incredible for God- it’s really just an average work of the awesome, praise-worthy, all-knowing, all-powerful, one and only true God.

 So I was at the unFiltered service at Seacoast two Sundays ago, and for whatever whimsy, I decided to join those who stand by the wall at the end of the service to pray for anyone who might need some. Only one girl came up to me; she briefly shared an area of her life that she knew was an area of sin. It was clear to me that this thing had it’s grip deep in her heart. Her hands shook nervously as I held them and prayed. Afterwards, she went on her way. That week at Every Tuesday, I took the initiative to pray for others again, and she came up. My heart felt for her. I knew the feeling of living with this horrible habit or attitude or behavior that haunted every moment–it’s evil creeping through every crevice of your life. I prayed for her, and I made a mental note to remember her in my prayers throughout the week.

She came to my mind while I was driving home from work one day that week, and I briefly thought, Lord, be with her today. I immediately felt the conviction in my heart say, “no. You turn off your radio, and you pray out loud for her. Right now.” I obeyed. As the words started out of my mouth I felt the presence of a greater strength joining forces with me, echoing me. Lord, break the bondage on her life. Break the chains. Deliver her in Jesus’ name. Then I stopped. This peace of assurance came over me, and I knew without a shadow of a doubt in my heart that it was done. She had been set free. I rejoiced in my heart, and I prayed that she would make the right choices and embrace this new found freedom everyday.

So Sunday rolled around, and there I found myself standing by the wall again. Here she came from her seat, and I started thinking of how to tell her what happened when I prayed for her the other day in my car. As I opened my mouth to speak, she touched my arm with firm hand, and said with steady voice, “Thank you.” Then she walked away. She knew. Without my saying anything she knew!

I am so excited to share this story not only because God brought about healing and deliverance for her, but because so much of the time, I think that God needs my help. Sure, He used my prayer and used me in the smallest of ways to minister to her, but He healed her. It wasn’t my prayer that she felt; it was what He did in her heart. That’s the reality of ministry. What we do is needed- but it is God that changes the hearts, He makes the difference when they are willing to accept it. Praise the Lord that it’s not up to me (or you, for that matter)!