ANGEL AT THE BUS STOP
There was still a steady rain when Amee trudged into the shelter at the bus
stop that evening. Sitting heavily on the bench, she stared at a muddy gutter,
and wondered when things would ever change. So much had been wrong; she felt
she was slowly being crushed inside. The physical therapy after the auto
accident was only supposed to be for a couple weeks. The weeks had stretched to
months, and although she could walk now, she still fought for balance on her
steps, and the numbing ache still robbed her of sleep most nights. Her broken
collarbone still ached too, when it rained, like today. Her stomach growled,
and she grimaced at the thought of food. All the medications were ruining her
appetite. She was so tired of being sick. So tired of being tired. Amee sat
lost in thought, as the rain dripped steadily off the awning.
Suddenly, Amee was aware of white service shoes in front of her line of vision. Startled, she followed the
sturdy uniform-clad legs up to see pudgy tan hands clasped around an ample waist within a bright
blue scrub shirt. She looked up into a pair of crinkled-rimmed kind brown eyes,
and realized a woman was speaking to her.
"Ya all right, honey?" she was saying. Without warning, Amee burst
into tears. In seconds, the woman had stepped close, and pulled Amee's head to her
ample bosom, and held her quietly close. The moment passed, and Amee straightened
up, apologizing profusely through her tears.
"Stop Amee," said the soft voice. "God knows when we're drowning,
and need His touch. The sun will come out again for you." Gently she
kissed Amee's forehead, and turned to walk away.
"Wait!" cried Amee, "How did you know my name?!"
"God knows all His children by name, child."
As Amee blinked in astonishment, the bus arrived, blocking her view. As she
stood up, shaking her head, the voice came again. At the same moment as the
breaking sunbeams. In the mist steaming off the pavement, Amee distinctly
heard, "He knows you needed to be held in His arms, for just a moment. To
hear His heartbeat. He sent me to wrap you in it today."
What a great encouragement it should be to every believer to know that the God
who created the universe, the sun, the moon and the stars cares so much about
you that He has carved your name on the palms of His hand. He loves you just as
you are and wants you to know that even though troubles may come to you; Joy
will come in the morning. (Isaiah 49:16) (Psalm 71:19-21)
Let this story be a simple reminder that God is always with you regardless of
the storms of life, and wants you to know that the sun will rise again upon
your life and overshadow every obstacle that you had to go through.
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
Psalm 34:6-9 "I cried out to the Lord in my suffering, and He heard me. He
set me free from all my fears. For the angel of the Lord guards all who fear
Him, and he rescues them. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of
those who trust in Him! Let the Lord’s people show Him reverence, for those who
honor Him will have all they need."
Joshua 1:9 "I command you—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged.
For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
Psalm 28:6-8 "Praise the Lord! For He has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord
is my strength, my shield from every danger. I trust in Him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of
thanksgiving. The Lord protects His people and gives victory to His anointed
king."
Psalm 30:1-5 "I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me. You
refused to let my enemies triumph over me. O Lord my God, I cried out to you
for help, and you restored my health. You brought me up from the grave, O Lord.You
kept me from falling into the pit of death. Sing to the Lord, all you godly
ones! Praise His holy name. His anger lasts for a moment, but His
favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may go on all night, but joy comes with the
morning."
All scriptures can be found in the New Living Translation.
In Christ Service,
Darrel Onstad