Have you ever waited for years before God answered your prayers? Have you experienced persistence in praying and sowing of seeds that eventually bore fruit?
Flashback to 2014, I received news that my brother Nick was hospitalized because of a massive stroke. When I visited him, he was in a life-threatening state. With a heavy heart, I pleaded with God to extend his life so that Nick could receive His saving grace.
It must have been tough for Nick to accept his physical condition, unable to use his right hand and having to drag one leg while walking. He was staying with mum till the tide comes in, mum herself needed caregiving. When Nick agreed to move to Johor Bahru, mum consented to move to Singapore, to stay with family and me. Staying just across the causeway enables hubby and me to give him our support. Looking back, the Lord used Nick’s issues and our acts of service to soften his heart. Over time, he allowed me to pray with him and share the Gospel. I also arranged for a pastor to minister to him and eventually he accepted my invitation to attend church in Johor Bahru.
Without delay, I connected with my one and only Christian friend in Johor Bahru. The Lord moved hubby and her to drive Nick to and from church, to minister and pass him a Bible. The Sovereign Lord perfectly positions and strengthens His people to act with courageous faith.
Fast forward to 11 years after pleading with God, on the 4th January this year, I received a text message from my friend, sharing the good news that Nick, not only accepted Christ as his Lord and Saviour, but he also requested to be baptized right away. All who witnessed his transformed heart were not ready for his baptism! The Lord is able to do more than what we can ask or imagine. The pastor filled a pail with water and baptized Nick through sprinkling on that same day!
Praise our Sovereign Lord God who has the power to restore life and dead hearts in ways He knows best!
Joanna Teo
