A Very Present Helper
by Gemma Gardner
The above verse makes it very clear that there will be times in every person’s life when they will be in trouble. It can come suddenly, out of the blue, when we are least expecting it.
On Tuesday it was my day for doing the shopping. It was lovely and sunny and I enjoyed the walk as I trundled along with my shopping trolley. I went into one shop and got three items and then walked along to my usual supermarket to buy food. After collecting all I wanted, I made my way to the checkout. The assistant scanned the items and told me how much I had to pay. Then, it happened: my worst nightmare. My debit card was not in its place.
I felt the panic rising up inside me as I searched for the card. It was nowhere to be found. It seemed like time stood still. Then a lady, who was behind me in the queue, said she would pay for my shopping. At first I was too distressed to accept, but then realised I had some cash in my purse, so I handed that over to the assistant and the other lady paid the rest. I was grateful and thanked her. She said, “Have a lovely day!”
I walked out the shop, crying out to the Lord, “Help me, Jesus. Help me!” He seemed to be saying, “Don’t panic, it’s all right”. I made my way to the first shop I had been in, quite thinking my card would be there. But, sadly, it wasn’t. So I walked on to the bank, which was just a bit further up the road. There was quite a queue outside, all social distancing. I longed to get in there and see if my card was handed in.
When I finally got to the counter, I discovered that they didn’t have it. The bank staff were really kind and helpful. My debit card was cancelled and a new one has been ordered. Also, they were able to assure me that there had been no fraudulent spending on my card.
I was so thankful to the Lord! Back home, I told Dean all about it. I had proved the truth of the above verse. The Lord was with me in trouble. I was shown grace by a stranger who paid for my shopping, and treated with kindness in the bank. I am so glad that the Lord is always watching us, and He knows when trouble is brewing, and He steps in to shield us.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for being my helper and that You were with me in trouble. I pray for anyone reading this who is in any sort of trouble, that they will be able to cry to You for help, and that You will deliver them. Amen.
Gemma Gardner lives in Norfolk with her husband, Dean, who until recently worked at Ellel Grange. They are both part of the Associate Ministry team which Gemma joined after completing the Modular school. Gemma has experienced the Lord`s healing and restoration over many years and longs to see Him healing other broken people. Gemma loves listening to music, cooking, knitting and crochet as well as outdoor exercise. She enjoys playing guitar and singing worship songs.
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