I am heartened

At times we might feel like a little dot in this big wide world.

I went to Oakland, Ca. yesterday. I had gone to pick some supplies for my hair. I love visiting Oakland. I love seeing the people going about their business, and yet it does not escape me the pain, poverty, homelessness, drugs, alcoholism that glares back at you. As I walked to the supply shop, I was in thought about God and His humanity. At that precise moment God answered me. I heard the voice of a man, in a thick Mexican accent preaching the word of God. he was an evangelist who has set up a karaoke box across the road. He said: ‘Today is the day. Listen to God. He loves you. The devil does not want you to hear God’s word. He wants you to close your ears. He wants you to ignore Him. But listen to me. God and only God has the power to save you. he can save you today.’ I stopped in my tracks, myself and my daughter, and shed a tear. I marveled at how the pure truth of God has come to His people. Yes, His pure unadulterated word came to Oakland. And all who were like me, in the earshot of this man’s voice booming from a makeshift loudspeaker – could hear all of that. Only God can save. Like a light in the darkness, that man stood. It is in that moment I was heartened; his words did not fall on deaf ears. I heard, God heard. It is in this, we must remember, our words do not fall by the wayside. We must remain the light in these treacherous times. May we not be entangled with what divides, and sets one against the other. May we be for and only for what will pull from the Miry Clay. My husband and I were so heartened, that we turned our car around, drove up to where this man was, joyfully went to speak with him, and emptied our wallets of what we had to give to him. Yes, what joy we had.

Earlier that same day, my husband and our two younger kids had gone out for a walk. Just outside a store, a lady caught my eyes, and invited me to come over to where she and her group were. I declined. And then for whatever reason, I looked at her again, and saw a Bible in her hand. I walked over to where she was, and found out she and her group were giving away bibles. She was excited, and opening the Bible spoke of when Jesus climbed into the boat in Luke 8:22-25, and there was a tempest. She spoke of life’s many tempests, and yet how Jesus draws close to us and calms our storms. She was so full of joy as she spoke, and I was heartened. God is forcefully pursuing His people. He is pursuing us.

At times, it is hard to see and hear, because the noise around us is just too much. But God heartened my heart this day; and seeing God still at work, still telling His people about His saving grace – should give us all the confidence that ALL IS WELL. Amen.

Linda Faith

Linda faith is the Editor in Chief of Jewels Magazine. She has authored eight books. She is a prolific writer and powerful speaker, inspiring many women to be all God has called them to be. She is the founder of Joy Women’s conference which reaches out to empower, inspire and motivate women in their faith walk. She was a software developer before she started writing.
Help us reach many more. Donate to Jewels today. Click here: Give to Jewels