“With so many friends in our age bracket experiencing illness and loss, do you ever feel concern for the future,” I asked my husband.
“Yes, sometimes.” Larry then relayed a recent event that showed God’s tender care.
A couple whose husband was about to undergo surgery like what Larry had gone through the year before at the same hospital sat with Larry.
“Ask for Grady,” Larry said. “He’s a big man with a gentle spirit. He rolled my bed into surgery and knows the Lord. I bet he’ll pray for you if you ask him. And ask for the warm blankets.”
God had provided this gentle giant, among other comforts, during my husband’s stressful encounter with an 18-inch blood clot. Later, Larry’s friends reported that they’d followed Larry’s advice and asked for Grady. But the woman they spoke with didn’t know any Grady who worked there. “Maybe he works in the lab.”
Minutes later, a large man entered their hospital room. “Hi, I’m Grady. I’ll be taking you to surgery.”
The couple exchanged glances. The wife smiled and said, “So you’re the infamous Grady.”
The husband added, “Our friend said to ask for you and that you might pray for us.”
“Sure,” Grady said stretching out his hand. The couple, and a prodigal relative sitting with them, joined hands while Grady prayed.
“He prayed like you, Larry. Like someone who really knows the Lord.”
Knowing that their relative doesn’t know Christ, Grady’s surprise appearance, after hearing he didn’t work there, and his comforting prayer provided a double portion of encouragement.
This story also comforted me. It reminded me that God goes ahead of us on whatever path He has us on. He’s our help and has promised to never leave us or forsake us.
“He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever abandon you’” (Heb. 13:5 NASB).
Two days after Larry shared this, we were thrown into our own tragedy. I may share it at another time. Yet amid our grief and confusion, God continues to surprise us with reminders of His care and presence.
Are you facing an overwhelming concern today? Tell the Lord about it. Ask Him for His wisdom, comfort, and the grace to trust that He is already ahead of you.
My new book, Big Hurt, Bigger God: Finding Freedom Through Biblical Forgiveness, is available for preorder. When deep hurts and disappointments shake our faith, we can struggle to understand God’s goodness and presence. This book offers biblical encouragement, practical help for processing pain, and guidance for renewing our minds with truth and wisdom.
God Goes Ahead of Us in Difficult Times #GodWithUs Share on X
Blessings,
Sometimes I link to these great sites:
#MondayLinkUp #InstaEncouragements, #Let’sHaveCoffee, #SweetTea&Friends
That’s a beautiful and powerful reminder of how good our God is. Debbie I’m sorry you are facing a difficult time. I will pray for God’s peace and comfort for you, Larry and your family.
Thank you, Ann. We appreciate your prayers. We are experiencing the Lord. But it has been hard.
How very encouraging, Debbie! Thank you.
Thank you, Paula!
Love, love the part about Grady not working there and then he walks in. God is intentional.
Isn’t that amazing? What an awesome God!
What a precious story of the tender care of God. Debbie, I am so sorry that you and Larry are in the midst of a difficult time. You will be in my prayers. God knows and He will be with you.
Thank you, Kristen. I appreciate your sweet thoughts and prayers.
What a sweet example of God’s care, and what a testimony to the prodigal relative. And how kind of God to prepare you with these thoughts for what He knew was ahead. I am sorry for the crisis you’re in now, but I pray for God’s rest and peace of heart and moments of seeing His hand at work in your situation.
Thank you so much, Barbara.
Oh Debbie … I’m so sorry for the tragedy you are experiencing right now. Knowing that God goes before us is such a comfort, and I’m thankful He gave you such a powerful sense of His presence this week. ❤️
Thank you, Lois. Someone had recently reminded me that even when we’re following God’s leading on the right path (Psalm. 23), sometimes that path leads through the valley of the shadow of death. I had no idea at the time how much those words would mean.
I too am sorry you must walk through this dark valley of sorrow, Debbie. You’re to be commended for your strong faith that takes note of God’s reminders he’s with you and cares about the tragedy you are facing. Praise God for his loving attention and warm compassion when we need it most.
Thank you, Nancy. I want to be in tune with His Spirit and never miss His sweet presence.
Thank you for sharing this message of faith. Even believers need these stories of God’s goodness and faithfulness in times of trial. Praying for you and Larry.
Thank you so much, Katherine. We also need each other’s prayers. We appreciate yours.
God promises us He heals the broken hearted. Thank you for reminding us God sends us His love in the form of a physical person to pray with us and for us. Praying for you
Thank you, Krystal!
Thank you for the encouragement Debbie. I’ll be praying for you and good luck on the new book.
Thank you, Yvonne! God bless.
Part of me wonders if both Larry and your friend were entertaining angels! Praying for you in the challenge you are facing – praying “all is well,” (2 Kings 4:26). Praising God also for this season of celebration with your book! May it touch many hands and many hearts!
I thought the same thing! Thanks, Maryleigh. In light of what’s going on Leafwood is postponing the book release until Oct.
Dear Debbie,
May you find God holding you close to His loving heart, whispering peace, offering you grace and kindness and rest.
Thank you, Linda.