I have been amazed at how many opportunities the LORD has given me to mentor/ ‘counsel’ some of my friends. He has really been teaching me how amazing a ministry it is to just be available. And let people know that you are there for them to talk to.
Some of the people who have contacted me, are ones whom I met through my blog. Or I would suddenly get a random e-mail from someone, asking me for advice on what I would do in such-and-such a situation.
One of my most amazing experiences happened only recently. The LORD used me to reach a brother in Christ who had suffered from cutting himself in the past…and who felt that he needed to do it again, to relieve his emotional pain. I stayed up really late, praying with him and asking that he stop and realize what he was about to do and how he would later regret it. I didn’t hear back from him for a few minutes, but when he finally wrote me back, he told me that if it hadn’t have been for me, that he would’ve cut himself.
I started crying. I was in awe that God has used me to keep my friend from harming himself. If I hadn’t have been talking to him…if he hadn’t felt that he could trust me in telling me this…if I had realized that it was late and just gone to bed…if I had left…
Something bad would’ve happened.
God used me in a way that I had no idea I could be used!! So many times, an opportunity arises just because we are there – because we gain people’s trust and love. Don’t let opportunities pass you by to help, encourage and bless someone. God will use you as He sees fit, but for now, just be there.
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And as an ending note…
If any of my readers out there need prayer or just someone to talk to, please do NOT be afraid to e-mail me. (miss.raquel316@gmail.com) I check my e-mail every day and every single e-mail in my inbox makes me happy and excited – to know that someone took the time to drop me a note. :)
‘Therefore encourage one another and build up on another, just as you also are doing.’
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Love to all my dear readers!! You guys are amazing.
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PS: And yes, my friend is receiving professional counseling. :) Thank you for your concerned comments.
9 of your thoughts:
That is amazing. God is so good. Thank you for being there for him, and for the rest of us, should we ever need a friend :)
xoxo,
Jessica
Oh, that's amazing that God has used you in that way! :) I'm always so happy when I can help my friends and even people I have only met through my blog. Thanks for sharing this, it was...encouraging :)
This topic is so right on with me right now - it seems like God is putting me in touch with girls from different places (school, Awanas, and a girls lock-in we had at church, our homeschool group) that I can befriend and be there for. They're all younger than me, so they look up to me and I really love that because I don't have any siblings...they're kind of like my sisters :)
I love your story...wow - God was obviously orchestrating that one but your heart was open too...that's so encouraging!! :)
I love your blog!!! <3
Rachel
www.ramblingsbyrachel.blogspot.com
It's so awesome you were able to be there for your friend! One of the greatest gifts is encouragment, and it seems like you have it :)
I know what you mean, Raquel. God has been using me in the same way with people I have only ever met online. It is amazing the things God can do when we simply make ourselves available. :) You are making a great difference in the world by the souls you touch, Raquel. Keep shining brightly for Him. :) <3
That is so awesome, Raquel. I have had the chance to minister to several girls through just on-line stuff, too--it is SO amazing to see how just encouraging can mean a ton to someone! <3
-lucia @ lucia, etc.
www.one-beloved.blogspot.com
P.S. (Just something else..there are no "if's" in God's Kingdom. <3 Everything happens for a reason, according to His will. But, yes! You were an awesome part of His plan! Praise the LORD--keep listening to His voice. :)
Raquel, it is awesome that you're trying to help your friend! When I used to cut, years ago, my friends' love and empathy got me through that difficult period. But I must ask- is this boy getting professional help? Even with faith in God, and wonderful friends like you, the problems that lead to cutting often run so deep, and are so painful, that even the best friendship won't be enough.
I speak from experience here. My friends were great, and soothed my pain for a short period...but within a few days, it devoured me again. The person has to end it themselves, and often therapy or some other form of treatment is necessary.
If you want to broach the topic with your friend (who may not be receptive), that could very well be a huge help to him. He may not need it to stop, but it is always good to explore your options.
In the meantime, keep being there for him. And I am very glad to see that you are doing so already :)
so cool. I love when moments like that occur and you just know God was at work. God is so good!
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