I'll never forget this carer's story

I don’t think I’ll ever tire of telling this story a carer shared with me.

While providing a young person care, the carer prayed silently in her heart for him. They were well known to one another and enjoyed their times together. He had learning and physical disabilities and like all those she cared for, she longed for him to know her Lord. As she silently prayed, not speaking a word or moving her lips, the boy asked, ‘who are you talking to?’ She replied, ‘I’m talking to God’. The boy seemed delighted and asked her to keep going!

This testimony has topped me up many times and every time I share it; it encourages others to keep praying and leave God to do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine. It affirms in me again that God isn’t limited like we might be in the ways we can communicate as He speaks right to the heart. God loves those who are on the margins and at risk of feeling forgotten and undervalued. He is mighty to save and came to seek and save the lost and can’t and won’t be hindered in His rescue plan. And in His grace, He can use us and our prayers to weave in His mercy and love into the lives of those around us.

This carer admits she felt exhausted that day, and at the end of herself. Part of her prayer was pleading for God’s help and strength and she carries out the good work He had planned in advance for her to do. Many carers also feel the weight of wanting to share their greatest treasure with the people they care for and yet fearful of doing this and the consequences.

How precious then, that God chose to encourage this carer in a remarkable way. He knew she needed this boost and countless others have since. He knows we need to hear that our prayers count for eternity – those said aloud and those kept within our hearts.