September 5, 2012
Yesterday I volunteered at RBTC registration handing out textbooks to incoming students. Amanda G. hung by me much of the morning. When David picked me up he felt prompted to pray with Amanda concerning her neighbors – a chemically dependent couple (alcohol among other things) with two children. We encouraged one another in the similar ministry God had us in – her with the neighbors, us with a friend. She shared what was happening with her, then we prayed with and for one another.
Our time together was winding down when a young woman named Brianna came into the admissions lobby carrying her brown bag of Rhema books. I initially mistook her for a 2nd year student. Some of them were changing groups and needed to exchange books. We let her know the windows were closed until 2:00, but she could come back then to exchange her books.
She said almost imperceptibly, “I'm here to pull out my tuition.” She looked confused and sad. “I just talked to someone in admissions on the phone. She said I could come over.” She glanced at the closed windows.
Dave asked her, “Did you say you were pulling out your tuition?”
“Yes.” Her emotions were close to the surface. “I had a hard time finding a job when I first moved here. I just got kicked out of my apartment. My parents want me to come home.”
Dave looked at her directly. “Why did you come to Rhema? What brought you here?”
Without hesitation she answered. “God.”
“If God brought you here, this is where you need to be.”
Dave shared some of the faith triumphs we had during our first two years at Rhema and also the current hurdle we were facing.
Amanda did the same. She shared her family's response to her when she told them she was moving away to go to Bible school. “My family said, 'You're just running away from your problems. You're just looking for emotional healing.' And I was needing emotional healing. But I also knew what God said to do. Sometimes you have to do what God told you, even when your family doesn't understand. If you will obey God, He'll take care of you and it will be so good. If you don't, well....it's not good.”
During Amanda's testimony, tears flowed down Brianna's cheeks. David asked if she had checked in to student housing as a place to stay. She had. She needed something less expensive. Amanda asked if she had checked the student resource room for “roommate wanted” postings. She had done that yesterday and hadn't found anything.
Finally Dave asked, “Do you need a place to stay tonight?”
“No. I'm staying with my aunt. They go to Rhema Church and work here at the ministry.” She mentioned their names. She said her cousin sang in the choir. I knew who she was.
“I bet if you ask your aunt they would let you stay with them through orientation week,” I said. “I really feel like it's important for you to get through orientation. See what God can do over the next week or two.”
We talked for a few more minutes, then had to leave. When we got home Amanda texted to let us know that Brianna had spoken with her aunt and uncle, who were on vacation with her parents. All of them were fine with her staying, and she has three job interviews today.
Praise God! Meeting Brianna was no accident. Sometimes people just need a boost. It helps to know you're not alone and that other people have made it through the tough spot you are currently facing.
Little steps of obedience lead to great opportunities in ministry. I was extremely tired that afternoon. If I had become impatient, we would have missed the appointment God had set up for us. Doing things our way because it's easier or more convenient may seem like a small thing, but it can numb you to the gentle leadings of the Holy Spirit. On the other hand, obeying the Holy Spirit can become so natural you're hardly aware it's happening. He'll put you in the right place at the right time if you practice listening and obeying His leadings.
Be available and obedient. See what God will do.
Love to you all!
Dave & Della
“For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.” -Romans 8:14
