Sure Cure for a Bad Day



My friend Paula was having a bad day. She had a phone call that was not good news. As her day continued, she started getting sick and throwing up. She laid down, worried about the phone call that had made her sick. Later another phone call was received and again the news was not so good. After she got off the phone she had tears in her eyes and felt as though she was about to break down. She prayed, “God what is going on? I can't take anymore; I just can't. My world is crashing all around. What have I done to You?” 

Paula was feeling pretty hopeless and just wanted to give up. She got up wiped her eyes and went outside on the front porch and sat down. She was so depressed and figured that maybe cigarettes would help, so she went back inside to inform her mother that she was going to buy a pack of them. Her mother begged her not to leave, but Paula said, “I'm stressed and worried” then turned and walked out the door. She stopped in her tracks because a plant was sitting on the bench at the front door. For a moment she thought she was losing her mind.

Opening the door she asked her mom if she had seen the plant, but her mother replied, “No.” Her mom went outside and they both looked around to see where it might have come from. They didn't see anyone…not one person was in sight. Paula got into the car and started backing up to head off on her mission to get the cigarettes. However she stopped when she saw a lady that she didn’t know approaching her mom on the front porch. 

The lady, apparently a neighbor, began telling Paula and her mother that she started to grow the plant months ago; it was little when it was planted.  She continued by saying to Paula, “This is how God sees us. We are little when we start to learn about God, but as we focus on Him we start to grow. Sometimes we feel like giving up or feel that God is not even around but He is. We should never worry about things; God will take care of us. My husband and I have been praying for you and your mom. God has shown us He has great plans for you.” 

Paula had tears in her eyes when the neighbor said her, “You see where all this has grown but in this spot there is nothing.” Paula said, “Yes ma'am.” And the lady continued, “Well I believe God wanted me to give this to you because of this spot. You are growing in the Lord and you have grown this much and look at how much more He is wanting to give you, how much more He is wanting you to grow. So I'm asking you to plant something little there and let’s watch what God has for you because I know it's big. Let’s watch it grow as you keep growing. Don't worry about anything because God is on your side and He WILL NOT give you anymore you can take -- that is a promise.” 

The kind neighbor then asked if she could pray with Paula and her mother. They both agreed and as she prayed they were all crying, tears streaming down their cheeks. Then the lady left and walked back home. Paula stood there amazed, looking at what had been left for her, and she couldn't believe God’s timing and His goodness that had been delivered by an unknown neighbor providing hope and encouragement.

Has God called you to deliver a message to someone? Don’t delay; they may need those words at this very moment to cheer them from a stressful day.

P.S. Paula didn’t need the cigarettes after all.

I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us— yes, the many good things he has done for Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses. Isaiah 63:7

www.hearthope.org

Comments

Margaret said…
This made me cry too. What an awesome encouraging story!
June 26, 2013 at 8:59 PM
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