Even though most banks offer excellent recovery service when there is a security breach, it is still a hassle getting new cards issued and ensuring that your personal information is secure once you have been hacked. Unfortunately for this missionary momma, there is never a good time to handle these matters. My life is filled with many important things that need to be done and it seems as if I am continually sacrificing them on the altar of the urgent.
I waited impatiently as the assistant bank manager fiddled with her phone. She was beautiful with long black hair and thick lashes framing big brown eyes. Turning away for a moment, she dabbed at her eyes with a tissue. “How may I help you?” fell from quivering lips while motioning me to sit down. I asked if she was alright and her reply was “I will be soon enough.” I could sense that she was embarrassed so I handed her my bank card explaining that it no longer worked. A tear began to form in the corner of her eye. I was in a hurry and evidently she was not.
Although I had every right in the world to be served in a timely manner, matters of the heart rarely move within the time constraints of the world.
This was a “prayerportunity” that I did not want to miss out on.
Matters of the heart rarely move within the time constraints of the world.
There was a time in my life that I may have felt too self-conscious to take action in such a public place. Thankfully I have come to the realization that embarrassment is just not an option when we have asked the Lord for the opportunity to work with Him through prayer. As the young woman typed away on her keyboard, I began to write a couple of memory verses on an envelope.
Weeping may last through the night,
but joy comes with the morning.
Psalm 30:5
I reached for her hand and as I held it, she looked deep into my eyes and began to weep. After a while she explained that she had broken up with her boyfriend. She had wanted to go to church, but he did not. She wanted to settle down and he wanted to date {many} other women. “I want to do the right thing, but he only wants to play {around}.”
Fear cannot rule when a heart is breaking, I knew I had to believe the Lord for an encouraging word to point her in His direction. “Do you believe that God wants to bless you with an honorable man of integrity who longs for the godly things you do?” I asked. She wasn’t so sure. She began to cry as she continued to work on my bank situation. It was during this time that the Holy Spirit seemed to give the words that she needed. I can hardly remember what they were but as I prayed for her, the clicking on her computer keys stopped and she bowed her head. It was a holy moment I will never forget.
She looked at me one last time as she handed me back my bank card and smiled, this time it was she who grabbed my hand and gently patting it, said, “Thank you so very much, Mrs Nielsen for praying with me. I know that God loves me enough to give me the man that is best for me. Thank you.”
Stasia is mother to six beautiful children and wife to a dedicated, loving husband. They have served as a family together on the mission field on four continents for nearly 30 years. Stasia’s passion is to share in true colors the grace of God in her life. You can read more about her and the ministry of the Women’s Bible Cafe. Stasia is the CEO of LifeVerse Books and you can Subscribe to LVB to receive regular free and discounted book deals and timely reviews. If this article has blessed you in any small way, please consider showing your support by clicking subscribe in the upper right corner. Copyright© 2015 Stasia Nielsen All Rights Reserved
