I was having trouble sleeping. My heart was heavy as all kinds of thoughts flowed through my mind. I laid in bed and silently prayed to God. Around 2 AM, I heard a ding on my phone. It was a text message from one of my former students. I wondered what she wanted.

I read her message and was speechless. Questions flooded my mind. How did she know? Has she been reading my mail? I was very careful not to share my personal stuff at work. Besides this student graduated five years ago.

The truth is that she did not know about my difficulties. She felt prompted to pray for me and my family. After praying she sent me the scriptures and message she received.

For the next eight months, I received text messages which came at all hours, middle of the night, morning, daytime and evening. I responded with “thank you.”

Below are some of the scriptures and messages she texted. They served as fuel for the journey. They helped me resolve to hold on to hope and not be afraid.

 December 21, 2011

Scripture

 “On the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty, “they will be my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as a father has compassion and spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not. Malachi 3:17-18 (NIV)

Message: Lord, fill us with your overflowing presence in all that we do so that we can be a great representation of you. Lord, prosper my innermost passions in Christ.

January 19, 2012

Scripture:  Romans 8:18 (NIV)

Message: Once we pass the test, He increases our strength so we can go from glory to glory. Stay obedient. It is a daily process.

February 2, 2012

Message: Whatever God promised you, just stand and watch God move.

February 12, 2012

Message: “Obedience”. Set apart for me the work to which I have called you to do! Lord Jesus, help me to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit in my life.

February 25, 2012

Scripture

April 1, 2012

Scripture 

Message: Greatest love of all. Meditate on it. It will take you from glory to glory.

August 11, 2012

Message: The devil loves to get you confused when God has a purpose for you! Stay focused on what he has called you to do!

This vision is for a future time.  It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed. Habakkuk 2:3 (NLT)

At the time, I was struggling with accepting the trials in my life. However, in this season, these promises are coming to fruition. I am in awe of my Heavenly Father, who went all out to encourage His daughter at her time of need. I am truly indebted to my Lord, King, Savior, and Redeemer.

I am thankful that I recorded these promises in my journal. Now, I am able to look back and see the Lord’s hand. If you struggle with journaling, I pray this post encourages you to see the value in it.

I am grateful that my former student chose to share these messages with me. I appreciate her obedience and willingness to accept God’s call to be part of my inner circle. Her words not only provided encouragement, at the time they were like fuel for the journey ahead. It is reassuring to know that others are praying for us when we are struggling and cannot pray.

Have you ever felt prompted to pray or share a scripture with someone? What was your response? Did you share the message or allow fear to hold you back?

How can you be God’s instrument of encouragement to someone walking through the valley today?

Father, thank you for caring deeply for us and for sending help at the right time. Amen.