My sister, Martie, and her husband, Jan, (who are pastors of Stonegate Faith Center in Bedford, Indiana) just returned from ministry work in Ecuador, and I couldn’t wait to hear all that God had done during their two weeks abroad. As I listened to them share about their adventures over dinner the other night, I was amazed! So many changed lives!
As dinner came to a close, I noticed that my sister had a new ring on her right hand, so I asked about it.
Immediately, tears came to her eyes as she began telling me about her beautiful new ring.
Early in the trip, after one of the services, the pastor of the church where they were speaking asked them to stay a little longer, explaining that a woman who desperately needed prayer was on her way.
When the woman finally arrived, she shared with them about her battle with addiction and other life struggles. They prayed with her, and as Martie hugged her, she heard that still small Voice on the inside saying, “Give her your ring.”
Martie knew which ring God meant, but she really didn’t want to part with it. After all, it was her favorite sterling silver and black onyx ring, the one that reminded her of our late mother. (My mom had a ring very similar that she always wore, and both Martie and I have matching ones.)
Still, Martie wanted to be obedient so she took off her ring, handed it to the woman, and said, “God wanted me to give this ring to you so that every time you look down at your hand, you’ll remember this day and celebrate your new beginning.”
The woman cried and slipped the ring on her finger.
Later that night, as Martie was reflecting on all that had happened, she heard that same still small Voice whisper, “I’m going to replace your ring.”
The next week and a half was a blur. With several meetings a day in different cities, Martie hadn’t had time to think about what God had impressed on her heart concerning her replacement ring, but she knew God would make good on what He had spoken.
Then, on one of their final nights of ministry, a woman they had prayed for when they were in Ecuador four years before, came forward and shared how much her life had changed for the better since their first visit. As they were rejoicing with her, the woman took off her ornate ring and put it on Martie’s right ring finger. Through her broken English, she said she wanted to bless Martie with her ring.
Martie could hardly speak, but she managed to tell this precious woman that God had just used her to fulfill a promise.
Now, every time that Martie looks down at her right hand, she is reminded of God’s faithfulness to the people of Ecuador and to her.
He will be faithful to you, too, if you’ll only trust Him.
God always keeps His promises.
