In July 2013, the lives of myself, my husband and our young daughter were radically altered. No one could have predicted how our story would play out, except God. During the months and years that followed, while my husband’s body slowly began to heal from the temporary paralysis, I fought against the frustrations we encountered with the blessed assurances that God could use our pain for His purpose.
The word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” — Jeremiah 1:4
And He did. He relentlessly reassured me that His faithfulness would endure. He gently reminded me that I was HIS child; set apart and formed for a purpose. All that was required of me was to trust in His word and obey. When Room 908 Ministries was formed, I began to realize just how BIG my God truly is. I secretly doubted how anything I could do would make a difference in the lives of others. Who was I? I was just trying to make it through each day with my faith intact; let alone have the words to encourage others.
It was my own Jeremiah moment.
“Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth.” — Jeremiah 1:9
The Lord reassured me that despite my insecurity, He would provide me with the words to speak. True to his word, he did not disappoint. He reached out his loving hand of grace, gently guided my chin upwards, and asked me to look beyond Room 908. He asked me to trust in His plan and believe that I was more than the pain and fear that resided in that hospital room.
I was more. I meant more. My story had a divine purpose. This was work for the kingdom of God, and I was given a seat at the table. It was a new worldview. An eternal perspective. This work was more gratifying and fulfilling than anything I had done before. This is what I was meant to do.
And by the grace of God, this is what I will continue to do.
Beyond Room 908 