What Would People Think?

Vera's granddaughter was coming home from the hospital and it would be Vera's responsibility to care for her. 

Not only was Danae handicapped but her unwed mother was living with them in the parsonage. Vera was torn between her heart-rending need to love her granddaughter and the barrier of pride that stood in the way. She wanted to love her fully, but fear of what people would think haunted her constantly

While agonizing over this, she clung to a verse of memorized Scripture: "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."" (2 Corinthians 12:9). 

Was God's grace sufficient to replace the shame, pride, fear and guilt in her heart with love? She felt so weak. Could His power be made perfect in her for the days that lay ahead? She bowed her head and asked God to forgive her and give her strength to overcome her lack of love.

While she was praying, the Holy Spirit brought to her mind a prayer she had read in a book by Ann Kiemel Anderson. Ann had wanted to witness to Mario, the janitor who vacuumed the halls of her apartment building, about the way of salvation, so she prayed: "Lord, help me to be to Mario what You would be to Mario if You were living here in this apartment building with Mario."

Using Ann's prayer as a guide, she prayed sincerely from her heart: "Lord, help me to love this child the way You would love her if You were here caring for her."

She said she could not explain the miracle that took place. After praying that unpretentious prayer, love so pure and strong, so full and complete, flooded her being. It was simply God's amazing grace, and she thanked and praised Him for the marvelous answer to her prayer.

Thank you, Jesus, that You welcome the opportunity to love others through us.

"He said, 'My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness'" (2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT).