by Mary Grace Conrad 

If you have ever listened to K-LOVE Radio, you have probably heard someone call in to give the “encouraging story of the day.” It’s an opportunity for people to share how God has worked in their lives—whether it be through a song, a prayer, or by someone coming into their lives at just the right time. So today I want to share how God used a friend to encourage me during a particularly difficult night.

A few weeks ago, I was dealing with some anxiety and discouragement about my infertility. It was out of the blue—I don’t really know what “triggered” it—but I felt this enormous weight of sadness and fear. I could not shake the feeling; I was consumed with thoughts and fear about not being able to have children. I thought maybe if I just turned off the lights and went to bed that it would go away. At 12:09 A.M., my phone beeps and I see a message from Brandi Pillow:

“Praying for you, friend, in this season of waiting! Saw this tonight and just felt like I needed to share it. Hope you are well!” 

“God is never late. Let it sink into your heart that He has not forgotten you, and He will not let you down. I don’t know what you are facing tonight or what burdens are weighing you down… but I know who He is, and I know He will be faithful. Sometimes I get impatient or my heart gets discontent and I have to remind myself that I am right where I am supposed to be right now, and I can trust that He will not leave me waiting longer than He wants me to wait. He will not be late. He will step in at just the right time.”

–Kristin Schmucker, from Redeemed

I still boo-hoo when I read this message because it’s such a great reminder of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness. He is with me in the valley. I am not forgotten. He is never late. I thank the Lord for using Brandi to encourage me that night. In an instant my sad tears were replaced with happy tears. And when Brandi and I talked about it the following Sunday, we were both so excited and in awe to see how God worked in both of our lives. I praise God for stirring her heart to reach out to me. How glorious it is when we are obedient and bold for Christ!

So I challenge you this week to be an encouragement to someone—send a text message, write a letter, make a phone call—be a light to someone in the darkness!

Alec and I are so thankful for each one of you at Westminster. We’ve been so encouraged during this wait and we cherish our church family so much. We love you!

“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”

 1 Thessalonians 5:11