Share the love
This week’s message is an article from an amazing Bible Study, The Power to Make a Difference, published by Lighthouse Bible Studies. Information on how to order this inspiring Bible study/devotional is below.
Share the love
by Katherine Pasour
My hands pulled weeds automatically, my mind far away from the mundane task. The rich aroma of freshly delivered mulch normally soothed me, but today I was wound as tight as the spool of cord on my weed-eater. I removed the last of the weeds and gathered the discarded clump to add to the compost pile behind the house. I pondered the dead leaves and wilted stems, a stark reminder of my broken life.
What are you going to do?
“Excuse me.”
I straightened from my task of spreading mulch on the freshly weeded bed of hostas. Since moving to the neighborhood two months before, I’d noticed my neighbor from across the street, but we hadn’t yet met.
“Hello.” I tried to sound friendly.
She smiled—a big smile with lots of teeth. I’d never seen such a joyous smile. We traded introductions and she complimented my yard. Her outgoing personality surrounded me, penetrating my introvert shield of protection with darts of enthusiasm and exuberance. I wanted to retreat, anxious to avoid her “real” reason for visiting.
“I’m starting a Bible Study and wanted to invite you.”
What?
“A Bible Study?” I stammered.
I’d never felt so far away from God as I had in these two months of separation from my husband.
You need to do this. I heard the voice in my head as my neighbor waited for my response. I opened my mouth to decline—to verbalize some excuse. But, the speaker in my head persisted as my neighbor rambled on.
“I know you work during the week, but the study will be on Saturday mornings. Will that be convenient for you?”
Again, I prepared words to express my gratitude, while offering an excuse. But, the answer that came from my mouth was, “Yes, Saturday mornings are convenient.”
Once more, that wide grin set her face aglow. “That’s wonderful! We start a week from Saturday.”
My thoughts swirled as I watched her walk back across the street.
What have I done?
Last night I had succumbed to doubt and fear, flinging myself across the bed as I cried out to God to help me pull myself from the depths of despair.
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 NIV*
I scoffed as I cried out to God for help. Of course He will find me offensive. Hadn’t I left my husband? Separated him from his daughter? How could that not be offensive?
Will God forgive me? Can my husband forgive me? How can I get out of this pit of sin?
The quest for control pulled me into the pit. I turned away from God, ignoring Him. I chose disobedience and willfully stepped onto the path of sin.
I couldn’t get out of the pit on my own power.
But, God had another plan. He chose a Christian neighbor and sent her to me in my time of need. This stranger, who became a beloved friend, listened to God’s call and accepted the challenge to intervene in my life.
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8
God saw my need and heard my plea for help. He asked my neighbor, “Whom shall I send to help her?”
My neighbor answered, “Here I am Lord, send me.”
Even though she was not aware of my particular need, she answered God’s call anyway. She didn’t hesitate to approach a stranger and offer love and the message of redemption. My neighbor didn’t know me, but she understood God’s request to intervene in my life. My heavenly Father nudged my neighbor to reach a hand to rescue me from the pit of sin. She didn’t hesitate.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Psalm 40:2-3
The Bible Study was a life changing experience for me. My neighbor and the other amazing women in that study loved me, prayed for me, and encouraged my baby steps on this new journey. God sent His amazing love pulsing through them and guided their actions to support me in the path of repentance and redemption.
Sometimes it’s terrifying for us to step out into the unknown. Although it’s obvious that my neighbor and friend is an extrovert and comfortable speaking in almost any situation, she later confessed that approaching me that memorable day made her nervous. But, she didn’t question God’s call to action. She acted in response to God’s directive to reach out to me, even before she knew my situation. My neighbor put her own apprehension aside, stepped across the street into unchartered territory, and put witness into action.
Can we?
Prayer: In your infinite wisdom, Father, you always seem to know when to send a helper into our lives. “Thank you” seems such an inadequate response for the love, peace, grace, and mercy you bestow upon us, but we are so grateful. Without your guidance, we would be lost. We would be mired in a pit of sin. But, you listen to our cries for help. You surround us with your love and you send those special people into our lives just when needed. Thank you for giving us the strength and courage to do in service to you. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.
*All Scripture verses are NIV.
My beloved neighbor is Terri Broome, pictured above with me when she was a guest speaker in my college classroom. More than 20 years ago, when Terri crossed the street to begin her ministry in my life, she was God’s messenger. I consider her my angel. I was and continue to be blessed by your mentorship, friendship, and spiritual guidance, my friend. Thank you.
Currently, Terri serves as Director of Women’s Ministry and Director of Volunteers at Pursuit Church. You may visit her blog and YouTube channel at PursuitChurch.org. I know you will be inspired and blessed.
The Power to Make a Difference is compiled by Beebe and Katy Kauffman and published by Lighthouse Bible Studies. The study (which can also serve as a wonderful daily devotional) can be purchased on Amazon or from lighthousebiblestudies.com
I LOVE this story and thank you for sharing. I am a friend of Terri’s and have been learning from her for many years. She tells us the story all the time about inviting her neighbors to Bible Study, so cool to hear it from the neighbor. ❤️❤️
I’m so glad you visited my blog to let me know that you’ve also been blessed by our sweet Terri. God gifted her with such a spirit of wisdom, love, and joy in her teaching. My life was forever changed that day Terri crossed the street to rescue a stranger. May God bless you, Lisa.
What a great story and so wonderful that after all this time you are still in touch with Terri! This shows us how important it is to reach out to others.
You’ve emphasized such an important point, Barbara–how vital it is for us to reach out to others in their time of need. Sometimes it is REALLY hard to do. We have lots of excuses such as 1) I’m not equipped to minister to others; 2) What if I say or do the wrong thing? 3) I’ve got too much to do to add on helping someone else; 4) My life is so messed up–I’d make a mess of this, too! 5) I’m scared–I don’t know how to witness to others…and our excuse list could go on and on. Of course we know, that if God calls us to serve, He equips us to serve. He is with us every step of the way in our walk as Christians. And whether we want to admit it or not, part of our walk as Christians is to witness to others. Wishing you continued blessing on your journey, Barbara.
Love this. Being His witness and ambassador are a high calling…one that is scary at times. But so glad she crossed the street and you heard His heart calling you to come.
Thank you for your encouragement, Jeanne. I am thankful every day that Terri answered God’s call and crossed that street. It reminds me that when we heed God’s call, lives are forever changed. But you are absolutely right–it is scary to take that step into unknown territory. Thankfully, our Lord is with us every moment when we step out on that journey of faith.
So honored to have made your acquaintance Ms. Terri. And thank you for being willing to follow God’s leading. Our friend Ms. Katherine is a shining example of what can happen when we listen to God’s voice. As you so aptly point out Ms. Katherine, listening is sometimes the easy part; acting upon it requires great courage. God’s blessings ladies.
Listening and responding with action. That kind of sums it up, doesn’t it? How often have we felt that nudge to step out in faith and minister to someone in need and we say, “I’m not qualified. God , please ask someone else.” It makes me sympathize with Moses when he begged God to, “Get someone else!” But, as He was with Moses, God is with us when He sends us out. Wishing you a blessed week, my friend.
Such a sweet story of God’s pursuit. Thanks for sharing it.
Thank you, Sylvia. I am blessed that my neighbor (and many others in my life journey) have reaching out to me with love and compassion (and sometimes a reality check) when they were nudged by God. I’m also reminded that I am called to do the same–step out with confidence, “cross the street” to offer Christ’s love through my actions.
Your transparency and excellent writing skills speak volumes, Katherine. Thank you for highlighting the critical need to listen when God speaks.
Now if I could just accomplish this (listening to God’s voice) every time He calls me to His service! Sometimes we close our ears. Thank you for your encouragement, Jeannie.