An Unexpected Glimpse of Grace and Mercy

Inside: God brought a friend to my mind on a hard day for her, and reaching out to her encouraged my soul too. Here’s how. ~

One morning last week, I had just closed my Bible and started praying when a long-time friend of my mom’s crossed my mind.

Right then, it occurred to me that her husband had died in early November. I remembered this because several years ago, the anniversary of the day he passed away happened to fall on a Sunday, and she was having a tough time after church that morning.

Before I got further into my prayers, I decided to look up her husband’s obituary. And can you guess what I discovered? Her husband’s death occurred on that very day, 15 years ago.

A Divine Nudge

We no longer attend church together. I only see her once or twice a year at her retirement community. But I believe God put her on my mind that morning so I could reach out to her and offer whatever comfort I could.

I knew my words wouldn’t take away the pain of her day. But it helps to know someone is thinking of you any day, especially on the difficult ones.

A short time later, I texted her while I was riding my exercise bike. Her response touched my heart: “God is so faithful in His care for me,” she wrote, “and the fact that He brought me to your mind today reaffirms that.”

Me Too

I’m glad my text encouraged my mom’s friend (and mine too) on what she described as an extra-hard day. I’m also thankful for what the entire experience did for my soul.

I’ve been feeling a bit untethered lately. Blessings abound, but so does uncertainty. I’m learning this is common among moms in my current stage of empty nest life, but common or not, it’s disconcerting.

As much as I’d like God to show up in my living room and tell me exactly what to do and how everything is going to work out, the fact that He prompted me to think of my friend on her difficult day is concrete evidence that He still cares about the details of our lives. Even—or perhaps especially—when we’re feeling unsure or off balance when it comes to the big picture.

God is Still Working

No matter how unsettled we are, God is still at work around us. He’s still preparing the way for what comes next, as my favorite Bible verse promises:

“The Lord himself goes before you and is with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8).

We don’t always see what He’s doing, or with whom. But sometimes, in His grace and mercy, He gives us a glimpse. Like He did that morning when he brought my friend to mind on the anniversary of her dear husband’s death.

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Have you ever been prompted to reach out to someone, only to find out that hearing from you was exactly what that person needed that day? Or has someone ever done this for you on a wonky day? Please share in the comments.

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No Post Here Next Week

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♥ Lois

P.S. I’m linking up this week with InstaEncouragements and Let’s Have Coffee.