When God Shows Up: Real Stories of FaithSample

Sarah*

“...Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus." Matthew 14:29, NLT

Sarah’s sons were 13 and 9 when her husband passed away. In the days following, her church provided meals and other helpful things, but almost immediately, Sarah began to feel marginalized and isolated. She was so hurt and confused by this that she and her sons left the church. “But honestly,” she says, “I feel like that church left us.”

It took 25 years for Sarah’s family to find her new church home. When she did, Sarah felt a calling to reach out to the other widows she saw in the pews. After some research, she presented Stand in the Gap for Widows to her pastor, asking to lead the ministry herself. The resulting small group that she formed shares Bible study together, prays together, and socializes while sharing experiences that only other widows can truly understand.

In the Gospel story, it takes faith for Peter to get out of the boat. Imagine swinging your leg over the edge of a boat on a stormy sea! Imagine letting go of the side of the boat and the feel of waves below your feet! The wind is still raging.

Sarah took this leap for herself. After years of feeling invisible, Sarah got out of the boat. And her ministry to widows has brought healing to many.

She says, “For the first time, I feel like my needs are being recognized and responded to.” Because of her act of faith, Sarah and her small group are finding their own places in ministry to others as well. None of this would have happened if Sarah hadn’t had the courage to step out in faith and in ministry.

Imagine the actual act of getting out of a boat onto a stormy sea. Picture the water spraying in your face, releasing the solidity of the boat, and the shocked looks on the faces of the people around you. Then, look to the One who is walking on water. He says to you, “Yes, come.” Who knows what will happen next?!

*Name changed to protect privacy