Several years ago, when a
devotion I wrote about ministering in a women’s prison was going to be
published in an international devotional magazine, I sensed God would have me
pray for the funds so each of the 1500 women in the prison could have a copy of
that issue.
I made contacts, but after
several months with only a fraction of the money in, my faith wavered as I
wondered if God would really provide. As the time to order the magazines neared,
I decided to make one more announcement at church the Sunday before the order
deadline, but I learned there was already a guest speaker that Sunday making a
donation request for worldwide Bible distribution.
Thinking it inappropriate for
me also to request donations that day, I surrendered the situation to God. “Lord,
I believed you wanted to provide these magazines for the women in prison, but I
have done all I can do. It’s in your hands.”
After the guest made his appeal,
my husband Jerry, the pastor, surprised me when he mentioned that the
devotional magazine I wrote for also had a worldwide ministry, as people in 100
countries would be praying for women in prison because of my devotion. Although touched
by Jerry’s thoughtfulness, I had already let go of the matter.
Later after the service, the
guest speaker approached me. “I’ve been in prison ministry for years as well,
and want to pay half the cost of the magazines.”
I was stunned. So were others
who overheard the conversation, and within minutes the rest of the money came
in. The guest speaker also received a surprisingly generous contribution that
day, as well.
God increased my faith as once
more I experienced God’s incredible faithfulness. He provided in a way that I
could never have dreamed. I’m praying I can increasingly live the truth
found in Hebrews 11:1, “Now Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain
of what we do not see.”
Below is the text of the
devotion that ran in the magazine.
Record My Lament
“Record my lament; list my
tears on you scroll—are they not in your record?” (Psalm 56:8)
I’m in a group that volunteers
to work with inmates in a maximum-security prison for women. One of the rules
we’re constantly reminded of is this: Don’t take anything in the prison; don’t
take anything out of the prison. We are not allowed to give the women a piece
of gum, a pen, or even a note. They are not permitted to send anything outside
the prison with us.
Every time we visit the prison,
we spend a few minutes with the women who desire our prayers. We hold their
hands and pray for them individually. Many of the women cry. A couple of months
ago, during the prayer time, I happened to open my eyes and look down at my
shoes. The toes of my shoes were dotted with the tears of the women for whom I
had prayed. When I left that evening, I did take something with me: tearstains.
God has made a record of our
tears and is touched by them. In the same way, every time I wear my tearstained
shoes I am reminded to pray for the women who are incarcerated, asking for
healing that comes from God.