This past Sunday with all the busyness of unboxing chairs, putting up drape, etc., it would have been real easy to overlook a few teammates that were missing.  As I looked around, scanning the group of volunteers, I made a mental note of the ones not in attendance.  Shortly thereafter, my husband walked over to tell me two members arrived, then turned around to leave within a few minutes of their arrival.  Not knowing what took place, I could have just shrugged it off and left it alone.  However, as I continued to work, this young lady kept coming back to my mind.  I felt like God was tugging on my heart to reach out to her, so I was obedient.

“I just wanted you to know that I’m praying for you right now.”  

That one heartfelt sentence changed everything.

The young lady texted back a few times, then returned to the school, which will be our “church,” asking in the text message for me to look for her.  And I did.

It started off a little awkward, as I had never talked to her in depth before, but it didn’t take long for her to realize I was a sincere and safe person for her.  She began pouring her heart out to me, and tears started flowing.

This young lady felt hopeless, worthless, and without purpose at times.  She had anxiety and depression along with other things, which will remain confidential.  Had I not reached out and been obedient to the Lord, she would have continued to carry this with her, which absolutely breaks my heart.

I took time with her that morning to remind her that God has her here for a very specific reason.  While I’m not sure of the plans He has for her life, she very much has a purpose in God’s kingdom.  She just needed a reminder.

One of my absolute favorite bible verses is Jeremiah 29:11:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Cling to that when you need a reminder as well.