“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power”

Ephesians 6:10

I have an embarrassing story to share with you; but I believe that makes for a good start to a testimony of God’s work – All throughout history we read how God always seems to use the most unlikely of people and circumstances for the greatest of stories. Why should I be the exception?

Growing up, my parents always took me and my brothers to a midweek church service. My parents love to talk, so it wasn’t unusual for me to be one of the last picked up from kid’s church. One particular night – I think I was about 8 years old – a teacher brought in a blanket with a design of a world map; now I don’t remember anything else about this night – not what the lesson was, not who the teacher was, not what I ate for dinner, nothing – but what I do remember is waiting patiently for my parents to come sign me out, and being fascinated by this blanket that was smoothly spread across the floor of the room. I found myself on my hands and knees, searching the blanket for the country where I was born – Dubai, UAE.

Next thing I know, one of the teachers gently placed her hand on my shoulder and started praying over me:

“Thank You, Lord for this beautiful child whom You have created for Your purpose. Father, I know that You are going to use her mightily for Your Kingdom – to share the Good News to all the nations. She shares Your heart with love for the world. Please honor her prayers, Father. Guide her and protect her. May You always go before her and Your hand always be upon her…”

You’re probably thinking, you were how old, and you remember exactly what she said? I can’t tell you I remember exactly what she said, but I can tell you, I know it was something along these lines, as it honestly made me stop in my tracks and hot with -at least what I thought at the time was- embarrassment.

This lady thought I was praying for the world! When all I wanted to do was find where I was born!

Little did I know, that lady’s prayer was more than just a supplication to the Lord; I truly believe it was a prophecy which God ensured to keep in my memories for me to holdfast to to this day. Embarrassing moments are generally easy to remember, but maybe that’s why God allowed me to feel embarrassed, or, just maybe, Holy Spirit moments are easy to remember too!

I only wish I could tell this lady what came to be after that prayer and how grateful I am that she chose to boldly step out in faith to pray over a young girl she hardly knew. In life, there are lessons all along the way, and I think this is a great one to start with: Be brave in the power of God’s might, for you never know how God might use you! Oh, and, in those moments you think you’re hot from embarrassment, maybe consider the possibility of the Holy Spirit’s presence and work in your life!

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“I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”” – Joshua 1:3-9

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20

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Until next time, always be joyful, never stop praying, be thankful in all circumstances,

Joyful JoT <3