I’ve been telling my personal story of how I, at age 26 – a 99 pound spiritual weakling – Biblically illiterate college graduate, began to get new direction for my life. 

The impact came through my friend Gail Miller who by providence had reconnected with me for about two years. 

During this time, three experiences with Gail affected me: her personal faith testimony, her life-style, and her sudden death. 

I went alone to the Baptist church where her funeral would take place. I was seated on the front row right in front of Gail’s open casket. I had never seen an embalmed body before and the reality of death shocked me. 

I do not remember what the minister said, as I sat there and cried throughout the entire service. 

Gail’s body was like a living sermon: “No one can control the length of his or her life.  When your life is over will you have introduced anyone to God’s saving grace and love?  How have you prepared yourself for eternity?”  

As I was leaving the church, I was introduced to Bertha and John Madden.  This couple had the weekly prayer meeting in their home where Gail attended.  I did not realize the importance of this meeting.

SLEEPLESS NIGHTS
I began to have some nights of insomnia.  I was afraid of dying. 
One night I went to my parent’s home nearby and told them of my fear.

Dad let me sleep with mom that night. 

My mother calmed me by quoting a poem: “Safe in the arms of Jesus. Safe on His gentle breast. Sweetly His arms enfold me.  Sweetly my soul shall rest.”

Two weeks following the funeral, I received a phone call from Bertha Madden.  She said, “I’ve been praying for you ever since we met at Gail’s funeral.  I began to receive some words I felt were for you.  I wrote them down so I wouldn’t forget them.  If you would like to read them, please feel free to drop by my house.”

My response was, “I’ll be right over!” 

I had never met a Christian before who said, “I’ve been talking to God about you and He said to tell you . . .” I learned later that this is one of the nine supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit called: a Word of Knowledge (I Corinthians 12:7-11).

I found Bertha’s house, a white frame building, having a nice porch, and well cared for lawn.  My new acquaintance opened the door to welcome me into her comfortable home. 

A SPIRITUAL GIFT

We visited for several minutes and then she gave me the written words resulting from her prayer time.

I read:  “Expedient is it that you shall be no more a part of those abandoned to this world. Stay out of their cars. To do under My hand is ordained for you. 

“Ask Me for the longings of your heart.  Did I not make man?  To you is there one ordained.
 
“Pick up the things (gifts) you have dropped; they are still at your feet.

“Scatter not among thorns, sit here by Me for a while and learn. Achievements are for all born to man, and for each is the good place given. Watch for the high place is yours – but to qualify you must in time. 

“Follow Me, is My Word to you.  Seek My face for the joy you crave.”

These words registered with me.  I told Bertha I would attend her prayer gathering that Friday night rather than driving to the beach with girl friends to audition with a band. 

In that prayer gathering, my life’s goals would be set in a new direction.

Confirming Bertha’s spiritual gifts, within six years, I would marry a Clergyman and there was a narrow margin of time in doing so. 

To see how this transpired, join me next week.