“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Messiah.” — Galatians 6:2
One of the greatest privileges of serving the Lord is discovering that He is often working in ways we cannot see. We may think we know why He is leading us somewhere, but time and again He reminds us that His plans are always greater than our own. Our responsibility is simply to be available, to listen to His voice, and to faithfully follow wherever He leads.
Recently, we received news that Nadia, the mother of one of our church members, had been admitted to the hospital after her blood oxygen levels dropped to a dangerously low level. She had already spent several days receiving treatment, and naturally her family was deeply concerned. As a church family, we felt the Lord prompting us to visit her. We did not come with medical answers or human solutions. We came because we believe that no hospital room is beyond the reach of God’s presence, and because we know that one of the greatest gifts we can offer someone during a difficult season is the reminder that they are not facing it alone.
The moment we entered Nadia’s room, her face lit up with joy. Tears filled her eyes as she welcomed us, and she said something that touched each of our hearts.
“This is exactly what Jesus meant when He said, ‘I was sick and you came to visit Me.’”
Those simple words reminded us that ministry is often far less complicated than we imagine. Sometimes people do not need impressive words or extraordinary solutions. They simply need to know that someone cares enough to come, to sit beside them, to pray with them, and to remind them that God has not forgotten them. In moments like these, His love becomes tangible through ordinary acts of compassion.
As we gathered around her bed, opened the Scriptures, and prayed together, another story quietly began unfolding only a few feet away.
Behind the curtain separating the hospital beds was another woman who had been listening to every word. She asked her daughter to pull the curtain aside so she could hear the prayer more clearly. When we finished praying for Nadia, she looked at us with humility and asked, “Would you pray for me too?”
Without hesitation, we gathered around her as well.
We shared encouragement from God’s Word, anointed her with oil, and prayed that the Lord would minister to her body, strengthen her heart, and reveal His love to her. What began as a visit to encourage one member of our church family suddenly became an opportunity to minister to someone we had never met before. Yet none of this surprised the Lord. Long before we arrived at that hospital, He already knew exactly who would be in that room and whose heart was ready to receive His comfort.
Later that day, Nadia’s son called with wonderful news. He wanted to thank us for coming because shortly after our visit and prayer, her oxygen levels had returned to normal. Before the day was over, she was discharged from the hospital and able to return home.
We rejoice and give all glory to God for His healing. Yet as we reflected on that day, we realized that the greatest lesson was not simply what happened to Nadia. It was seeing how God used one simple act of obedience to touch more than one life. We thought we were visiting one woman. God saw two women who both needed to experience His love.
This is the beauty of following Jesus. We are not called to produce results or to orchestrate divine appointments. We are simply called to go when He sends us, to love people well, to pray faithfully, and to remain available for whatever He chooses to do. The power has never been in those who pray. The power belongs to the God who hears every prayer and works in ways we could never plan ourselves.
As we continue serving our community here in Nazareth, our prayer is that we will always remain sensitive to His leading. Whether it is a hospital room, a family home, a humanitarian outreach, or an unexpected conversation with a stranger, every place can become holy ground when God is at work.
Sometimes all it takes is a simple visit, a willing heart, and a whispered prayer. God takes care of the rest.