Amy’s Prayer: God uses literature evangelist to bring comfort
“I brought you something,” Dawn’s beaming face would have made anyone feel loved and appreciated. “It’s my Great Grandfather’s Desire of Ages,” Dawn placed the antique in my hands. Its near perfect condition spoke to its careful preservation. “It’s beautiful Dawn!” I breathed, scarcely grasping that this treasure was to be mine.
Dawn and I had just met. Dawn was a woman of years and experience, I, simply a young literature evangelist. Our hearts had been strangely drawn together in the ties of deep friendship.
“You will notice my Great Grandfather’s name is written here in the front cover,” Dawn turned the pages of the precious volume revealing the name penciled in place. “None of my children value these books. I am getting older and I want them to go to the younger generation who will treasure and use them.”
It was as if a great weariness passed over the cheerful woman at the mention of her children, for at last, none of them were walking in the truth they were raised knowing.
“Please pray for my daughter,” Dawn petitioned near the end of our visit. “She is going through a difficult time. Her husband has been diagnosed with cancer.”
“I promise we will pray for both of them,” I assured Dawn before parting ways.
The following day, the skies lay low and gray promising rain. I fought back feelings of despair as my heart reflected the autumn weather. There was much work to do and it seemed I did so little good. Yesterday I had received such rich blessings, yet today was the last day of a short canvassing program and the desire to do more weighed heavily on me.
“Lord, lead me to some soul, I can bless today,” I breathed. “I have been giving my best for Your work and I know You can make it efficient for Your Honor. Use me as you see fit.” Less than an hour later I stood knocking at doors, eager to see who God would have me share His truth with.
“I am sorry,” the words came hurriedly, “this is not a good time.” Distress clearly marked the woman’s face, but was that sorrow or fear I saw in her eyes? I knew I only had a few seconds before her door would be shut in my face. “Lord, help me,” I sent a quick prayer to heaven.
“I will be very quick Ma’am,” I immediately placed a book in her hand. “We are sharing some of these in the community. This one is called ‘In Search of Peace’, It helps people to find freedom from worry, guilt, and fear.” The door opened wider and out stepped the trembling woman, the book clutched to her chest. “God sent you to my door today!” The woman began to cry now, tears uncontrollably racing down her cheeks. Her whole body trembled with grief.
“May I give you a hug?” I questioned, then threw my arms around her at her nod of approval. The story came out choked at first, but I could make it out around the sobs. “My husband left me at home. He is at his appointment to find out how aggressive his cancer is. He left me here to pray… I am so scared… I don’t want to lose my husband.” My own eyes were moist now. “What is your name?” I asked, “May I pray for you?” “Oh yes! Please pray! My name is Amy. I was praying when you knocked on my door. I was telling God I trust Him no matter what happens…” The last word fell off amidst a fresh torrent of tears and my own eyes began to drop showers of their own.
“Dear Jesus,” I prayed holding Amy close, “Your daughter Amy and I are here needing your comfort. You are the great Physician that has a care for all our sorrows…” My shoulder was wet now, but I scarcely noticed. I kept praying, silently asking God all the while for words to bless His dear daughter.
“May I read you something that has been a help to me in times of distress?” I questioned, pulling a book from my canvassing bag. “Oh yes, please do!” The answer came back immediately. I read paragraph after paragraph from one book and then another. Amy’s tears lessened and hope came to those red eyes. She softly repeated each word after me as if her very life hung on each one.
The time past quickly and at last I waved good-bye to Amy. My heart was light and singing as I proceeded to the next door. Amy’s parting words still resounded in my ears, “You have given me a new perspective today! God sent you to me when I needed you the most.” Amy’s smile of complete trust in God as I departed from her home, radiated sunshine through the rest of my afternoon.
That evening my phone rang. “Victoria, this is Dawn. Did you pray with a woman on her front porch today who was in tears?” “Yes, I did,” My mind quickly raced for answers on how my new friend would know. “Victoria,” a small pause of silence followed, “you prayed with my baby girl.” The last words tailed off amidst the sounds of soft tears. “You have no idea how much you helped her.”
“Dawn,” It was my turn to be in complete shock, “Do you know what I left with your little girl? I left a Desire of Ages, a Steps to Christ, and a Ministry of Healing.”
I have been in good communication with Amy up to this day and she has told me many times that she cannot put the books down that I left with her. They have been the source of her comfort and strength during this trying time. The very book once “unappreciated” is now her lifeline.