In the Spring of 2009, while working at a large retail establishment, one of my duties was to check the pricing and inventory counts to make sure that they were accurate. As I was kneeling on the floor, counting product, I was aware that a customer had appeared in the aisle next to me and I rose and asked if I could be of assistance. She replied she didn’t need anything, so I once again started my counting process, but I noticed she was still standing there. I sensed the Holy Spirit telling me I needed to pray for her. And this made me uncomfortable. I loved praying for others, as long as I could pray through email or text messages, but I felt very ill-equipped to pray aloud for others.

When I glanced upward, I looked at this woman. She looked so lost and forlorn. I stood up and asked her what her name was, and introduced myself. She told her name and said to me she was having a hard day. I asked her if there was anything I could do for her. The tears started flowing and through the tears and sobs, I found out she had been diagnosed with a brain tumor and there was only a 50% chance of survival if she had surgery. She said she had been praying and asking God for help making the right decision on what to do. She loved the Lord and believed she was supposed to go in for surgery tomorrow. Unfortunately, her family not only did not believe in Jesus but felt that if He was real, she wouldn’t be going through this.

Again, I felt the nudge of the Holy Spirit; you need to pray for her now!  I argued that I wasn’t capable of doing this-HE knew that.  So, as I took a deep breath and asked Him to give me the words, I asked if I could pray for her. She said, “Yes, that would be great, I need all the prayers I can get.” Then I went one step further and asked if I could pray for her in that moment. By now, a small crowd of people had appeared and were listening to every detail of our conversation. She shook her head, yes, and as I received permission and placed my hands on her shoulder, I prayed over her. I don’t recall the words, but I know the Holy Spirit was leading me.

And then the most amazing words poured forth from her mouth. She said, “When I left my house today, to get the few things I needed, I asked the Lord to give me a sign that if He wanted me to have the surgery, He would show me I was making the right decision. But if He didn’t, nothing would happen. ”

We hugged and spoke for a few more minutes and she was on her way. It was at that moment that I realized that God can use anybody and any situation for His glory. Because I chose to listen to His voice and leading, not only did this help Robyn in her journey, he blessed me.

Never be afraid to step out in faith. God equips us with everything we need. Many blessing to all.

Real People, Real Stories, Real God®