This morning I was struck by the words and face of a young boy from Bangladesh, who struggles in ways I can hardly imagine, but whose smile displayed his resilient heart of gratitude. His words, written in an Open Doors article, read “God always hears our prayers and answers through His people.”
I realised with gratitude that many of the answers to prayer throughout October were answered through other people, though of course not all of them were people who acknowledge God in their own lives. Being an ‘introvert’ personality type, I need to spend a good portion of time ‘recharging my batteries’ alone with God, and my pen, in my own space. That said, I also need to spend an equally good portion of time serving others in community, as this energises my purpose and exercises my talents. Learning to ask for help is part of this season’s learning for me. It is very humbling to learn to receive the kindness and help of others and, though it is not always easy to receive, I find it helps to remember the joy and freedom that the giver enjoys.
I wonder how many of the blessings, that you have received this month, have come through the hands, words and love of others?
I am so grateful to God for the following answers to prayer, throughout October, and so grateful to all those beautiful and gracious souls who served and blessed me and others. Whilst I thank God here for His direct intervention, I hope I have also remembered to personally thank each of those, through whom much of the support and blessing has come.
For healing my back pain and for D and M who prayed over it.
For the 8 big bags full of winter coats, hats and gloves, that I was able to deliver to the homeless shelter and for all those who generously donate such items.
For the webinar ministry and the delicious soak-in-prayer time of revelation and peace.
That R will now not have to find a new place to live.
For the whole family invitation to a party gathering and the wonderful friendship, food and fun.
For offers for a lift to a celebration out of town and then for that reunion of the wider family.
For K’s visit and stay, and D’s, and P’s and the opportunity to welcome, host and enjoy friendships.
For C coming for dinner and friendship.
For C and friends with whom one can always pray comfortably together.
For A’s continued recovery and excellent health reports.
For S successfully coaching me on zoom technology.
For the precious friendships and growth in our weekly small group.
Having had the challenge of a court-case, I thank God for His promise in Proverbs 22:22, that He will fight my case; for the testimonial of support from C; for the last-minute inspiration before the hearing; for the support, prayers and encouragement of church family and friends and for Jehovah Shammah going into the court-room before me and giving His peace, grace and favour; for J who accompanied me on the day and for the judge who gave me advice and a further 28 days to collect appropriate evidence.
For inspiration and ideas of all the great evidence I can collect.
For R’s help creating a spreadsheet.
For A coaching me on social media development.
For the blessing of seeing and hearing the light and joy and growth in J and C and for the constant and ever delightful blessing of my beloved grandchildren.
Lastly in October, for being able to attend the refreshing and fellowship of the ‘army of women’ gathered at the Orchard Conference in Birmingham.
We need one another and I am so grateful for such a diverse, wacky, beautiful network of relatives, family and friends and for all those friends I have never met. I’m so grateful for the online community of blogger friends, webinar friends and other online zoom and social forums, where the beauty and love and kindness of humanity can be so clearly seen and shared.
For all of you I have connected with, I bless you and thank you.
Thank you for reading.
How many of the blessings you have received this month have come through the hands and words and love of others?
dawnfanshawe 