This one makes you stop and think.

Phil.


> > >                  October 13, 2007
> > >                  Jessica Miller:
> > >                  "I Saw God the Other Day...In A Public Restroom"
> > >
> > >
> > >                  While recently at a conference as everyone was
rushing to
> > > get in line for prayer, I ran to the ladies public restroom. I can
think
> > > much better, wait much longer and receive far more from God if I am
not
> > > thinking about when I can visit the bathroom (true confessions from a
real
> > > God chaser).
> > >
> > >                  As I started to enter the Ladies Room, a very
> > > dark-skinned man bent over and whispered something to his beautiful
wife,
> > > who was in a wheelchair. I realized she too, needed to go into the
> > > restroom, but he could not take her in.
> > >                  I asked if I could help, and they nodded, "Yes." I
pushed
> > > the wheelchair into the bathroom and waited for the "handicap" stall
to
> > > come available. I wheeled her into the stall, and clumsily situated
the
> > > wheelchair into a position which seemed to be the most advantageous
spot
> > > (as if such a place even exists). Not wanting to embarrass her, and
also
> > > not knowing what level of help she needed, I asked her what else I
should
> > > do.
> > >
> > >                  It quickly became apparent that not only did we have
a
> > > tremendous language barrier, but she needed far more help than just
being
> > > wheeled into the stall. I pulled the door shut so that she had
> > > privacy--even if I, a total stranger were in there with her. When I
bent
> > > over her to help her to stand up from the wheelchair, my heart started
> > > pounding.
> > >
> > >                  The Holy Spirit was manifesting so strongly that I
wanted
> > > to weep (actually I wanted to wail). This lovely woman wrapped her
arms
> > > around me, and I stood both of us up. I marveled as she trustingly
leaned
> > > against me. Chest to chest, tummy to tummy, legs to legs.
> > >
> > >                  We took care of the needed business, and once again,
I
> > > bent over her to help her up and over into her wheelchair. In spite of
the
> > > vulnerability of the situation, this stunning lady exuded no shame, no
> > > humiliation, nor any embarrassment.
> > >
> > >                  She had none in her. She knew she had an unavoidable
need
> > > that required help and that she must choose to trust.
> > >
> > >                  As I knelt down to place her feet upon the footrests,
I
> > > noted her elegant garments and realized the incredible care and love
her
> > > husband ministered to her as a lifestyle.
> > >
> > >                  Then, all of the sudden, I saw myself as this
vulnerable
> > > woman who needs the same help and care in my own life. My Husband
(Jesus)
> > > is so tender and caring. In spite of my "handicaps," He lovingly tends
to
> > > me. God showed me this picture of myself through the beautiful and
> > > trusting woman! Whereas she trusted me (without knowing me) in spite
of
> > > cultural, ethnic and language barriers, she was without fear or shame.
> > >
> > >                  In her place I would have probably freaked out and
not
> > > let myself be helped. I wondered how much I do this every day in
various
> > > situations--to my Heavenly Father, to Jesus, to the Holy Spirit or to
> > > those He has sent to help me in my weakness.
> > >
> > >                  After I returned this amazing woman to her husband, I
> > > went and joined the prayer line. Everyone was having a feast. I was
> > > bawling so hard I thought I'd throw up (I know, not a pretty picture).
The
> > > Lord showed me His face of tenderness--chest to chest, tummy to tummy,
> > > legs to legs, as He tenderly and gently wants to help me in my need
and
> > > vulnerabilities.
> > >                  I saw the trap which the devil tries to lay out as he
> > > points at our weaknesses (yours and mine) and shouts shame and guilt
into
> > > our hearts. Such emotions can be so potent that they effectively cut
off
> > > our willingness to trust, seek and receive help.
> > >
> > >                  Jesus said this in Matthew 11:28, "Come to Me, all
you
> > > who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." He also said
> > > this in Hebrews 4:16, "Let us (you and me) therefore come boldly to
the
> > > Throne of Grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in
time
> > > of need."
> > >
> > >                  The exact time to NOT listen to guilt, shame or
> > > humiliation is when we (you and me) are in need. In our time of need
is
> > > when we must choose to be like that fantastic woman who helped me see
the
> > > tender face of God, in a bathroom, during a time of vulnerability.
> > >
> > >                  God's face of tenderness is turned towards you right
> > > now--in your need. Lean into Him, wrap your arms around Him and let
Him
> > > help you!
> > >
> > >                  Jessica L. Miller, Publications Manager
> > >                  The ElijahList
> > >                  Email: [log in to unmask]
> > >
> >
> >
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