Sent by God, Just for Me

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I was 26, newly divorced, living far away from family and friends, and dealing with a lot of guilt, shame, and low self-esteem. Was I a total failure? Would anybody ever want me? Was God condemning me because of my divorce?

I found a new church and made some friends, but still struggled. It seemed like all my church friends were perfect, happy, and full of faith—while I was flawed, gloomy, and full of doubts.

When I shared some of this with my pastor, he suggested a Stephen Minister.

Before I met my Stephen Minister, I was worried she would judge and reject me once she learned about my past and got to know the real me. But she didn’t. She was patient, loving, and accepting. I truly believe she was sent by God just for me.

We got together weekly. She’d ask me questions, get me talking, and then listen as I shared my struggles and doubts. She showed me God’s love even when I didn’t feel it. Over time, her faithful care helped me to see that perhaps I wasn’t such a terrible person after all. Through her loving care, I began to think that if God loved me, then maybe I could love myself too.

After a while, I got to a better place emotionally, and our Stephen Ministry relationship ended. A few years later, I remarried and had a miscarriage, and she was there for me again as a Stephen Minister, providing the care and support I needed. We now live over a thousand miles apart—but she will always hold a special place in my heart.

If you’re dealing with any kind of difficulty, if you’re struggling with faith questions or doubts, if you’re wondering whether you are a worthy person, then I encourage you to consider getting a Stephen Minister.

It just might be that God already has a special one picked out just for you.