A Little Girl’s Destiny

By Peggy W. Lester –

Our mission team had arrived in Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico. I was overwhelmed with the little village and my new surroundings:  the mountains, mud and stick thatched huts with dirt floors, chickens running around in the yard and even in and out of the homes. This sight was so foreign to me; but, I loved it and I loved the people. They were warm and welcoming; except, the little children were frightened of us in the beginning. There was excitement in the village with the arrival of us Americans or “gringos”, as we were called.

This was my first mission trip in 1980 and it would make an everlasting impression in my heart. Our visit had a two-fold purpose: 1) We were to construct a small wood church approximately 15’ by 30’; and 2) to love on the children and have a semblance of Vacation Bible School with them. We had brought our supplies from the States to do minister with the children; but, the supplies needed to build the church had been purchased locally and delivered to the building site.

As we mingled in our welcoming time, a couple came forth to meet us. The mom held her limp and seemingly lifeless little girl in her arms. The dad stood close by them. It was obvious the little one was very sick. Immediately our missionary host couple gathered the team around the family to pray for their daughter. We closed in prayer and the couple exited from our midst.

So much work to be done and only one week to do it. I was still in awe of my surroundings, drinking it all into my heart. We set out working enthusiastically on our tasks. Our team was large so we could take turns on the building project, as well as, ministering to the children. The children were thrilled with the little gifts we had brought them and excited about creating crafts, as well. They were wonderful to work with. When you have nothing comparable, the smallest gifts and crafts were welcomed and appreciated.

In five or six days the little church was complete. Even though the floor was dirt, it would remain that way.

As the village people began to gather at their new little church for the dedication service, the previously sick, little girl arrived with her dad and mom. The little gal, walking cheerfully by her mom’s side, was dressed in her very best outfit looking adorable and healthy. We had seen the dad at the construction site during the week, but hadn’t seen the mom or the little girl.

Sometimes you pray for people’s needs and you never hear or see the outcome. God has not called us to evaluate the answers to our prayers, only to pray them. He is responsible for the results that take place. Sometimes you may pray for someone’s physical healing and they aren’t healed in this life. We are not God and we don’t make the decisions of life and death. God does. I learned that from a personal experience (but that is another story!)

The destiny of this little girl was wrapped up in the obedience of our team the day we prayed for her. God saw fit to heal and raise her up. Maybe it was for her, maybe it was for our team, maybe it was for His glory; or, maybe it was for me to see my first miracle healing. Maybe and probably, it was for all of the above.

Our destiny depends upon obedience to the Lord as well. Whatever He calls us to do; He will equip us to do. We should always want it to be for His glory and never ours.

How about you? Are you listening today for His call and directions? I pray you are…your God given destiny is calling!

Peggy Lester © August 10, 2011

Peggy W. Lester is the founder of Spreading His Fragrance Near and Far, Inc. Her desire is to take the Gospel to those who haven’t heard, to disciple those desiring to grow in their faith and to share the healing balm of Jesus to those who have been wounded in life. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian counseling and is ordained through FCFI located in Indiana. She lives with husband, Don, about 35 miles West of Atlanta, Georgia. Website: http://www.peggywlester.com/