You Never Know Who Is Praying For You

There is a story about a woman who attended a Church. Every time she came, she would make these interesting groans while mumbling words during the service. Since no one knew this woman, many congregants were unsure how to approach her and assumed she wanted to be left alone. As she continued to come, these sounds from her became more irritating to many of the members. Soon, a small group formed and began praying to God for her to leave their Church. As the Pastor got wind of it, it grieved him. Thinking: what have I done that these people have forgotten the purpose of the Church is to welcome everyone and to win souls to Christ? 

One day, while meditating, he asked God how to address this issue. And he heard Him say, "Be ye reconciled." Immediately, the Pastor went to II Corinthians 5:17-18 (KJV) and began to read, "Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are becoming new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation." Soon, tears of joy began to run down his face as he reflected on God's graciousness toward him.

However, when he read verse 20 of II Corinthians chapter 5, what an ambassador or servant of Christ should do, his heart became extremely heavy as he thought about those members praying for the mysterious woman to leave their Church. Unsure she would ever come back again due to their cold attitude toward her, he began praying. Lord, please give me another chance to reach this woman and the wisdom to teach this congregation to be more Kingdom-focused. 

When the service opened the following Sunday, he noticed the woman wasn't there. Neither was there any sign of her when he got up to preach. It seemed his prayer went unanswered, while some sat in the pews feeling justified theirs were. As the Pastor began to speak, he opened his message, talking about the new life in Christ Jesus and how old things should pass away. Then, he addressed the duties of a believer and the importance of reconciliation by demonstrating the love of God toward all people. Hoping his message would penetrate the hearts of those uninterested in her salvation, the unwelcomed visitor came walking down the aisle with tears in her eyes, saying; when I first came here, I was in so much pain; I didn't want anyone to approach me. But now, I feel so much better. And I want to thank all of you; this is the only Church I've ever attended where I felt the whole congregation was praying for me.

Written 10/26/2013 Completed 1/8/2025.