{Photo credit: Emily@Chatting at the Sky}
I saw her coming across the arena. Deliberately. Intentionally. Her eyes fixed on the stage… on me… on what I must have represented in that moment, a woman who might understand.
Through the crowd. Up the stairs. Across the stage. She stood next to me pressing her shoulder against mine as I was speaking to 6500 women.
And there she was staring out at thousands. But pressing into one. Needing more than words.
Later she explained she needed to feel God and thought if she stood close enough to me, she just might be able to feel Him.
I didn’t have time to carefully plan what to do. I’ve never had this happen before. I’ve never seen this happen. It wasn’t even on my scope of possibility. But there she was. And there I was. Two women who simply and desperately need Jesus.
And because I am so hyper aware of my own desperation for Jesus every moment of every day, I simply wrapped my arm around her and kept on speaking.
It was a wrinkle in time. Something that wasn’t supposed to be and yet was. And I think I now know why.
I needed to remember that ravenous longing I once had to press against somebody who knew Jesus. I was her. Looking at other people’s faith wondering how to get that. That depth. That closeness. That unswerving conviction.
I truly thought if only a person with that faith would let me close enough, I’d discover their secret. I’d learn their routines. I’d mimic their obedience. I’d follow them to the ends of the earth until I got it right. Then, then, then, I’d feel close to Jesus. I’d understand the Bible. I’d pray powerful prayers. And all would finally make sense.
However, there is a big difference between being close to people who love Jesus and being close to Jesus Himself.
I can certainly learn from people. “He who walks with the wise, grows wise.” (Proverbs 13:20)
But if I want closeness with Jesus, I won’t find that in following anyone but Jesus Himself. He is the One who must be pursued.
There have been a thousand whispers from my heart, “Show me, Jesus. Show me how to follow you, be close to you, press into you, be more like you… show me. Show me today. Show me in this minute. Show me, please Jesus, show me.”
A thousand whispers. And there will surely be thousands more. For following Jesus can’t be put into a formula.
He simply says, “Follow me.” And those who dare to whisper, “yes, that’s what I want,” and then walk in the ways He tells us to, find Him. I’ve discovered when I position myself to be in the places where Jesus is the focus, I find Him.
I find Him in the middle of a worship song at church. I find Him when I read the Bible. I find Him when I quietly whisper thank you and choose to see the blessings woven all through my day.
That’s what I want this woman who came on stage to press against me to know. If you seek Him, you will find Him.
Yes, there she was. And there I was. Two women who simply and desperately need Jesus.
Leave a Comment
kelly says
Wow…yes….this is what my heart needed to hear. I truly believe you wrote this for me. I am soaking up every single word
Barbie says
I’ve been that woman, and in many ways I still find myself in that place. Watching the lives of others, longing for what they have, wanting to be close to them. But you see, I see the Jesus in them. And it’s only Him that can give me this that I see in others. Beautiful post!
Deb says
Im crying now…. I can relate. I need Jesus so bad right now and I’m sunk unless He helps me.
Kristen says
I’m praying for you right now Deb, in your desperation. If you can close your eyes, and just picture Jesus, in your mind’s eye. Picture Him reaching out to hold you. Let Him embrace You…
Jesus, I pray that you would meet Deb right now. I pray that she might feel your strong arms around her, holding her. I pray for a sense of peace. I pray that she might be able to hear your voice today, speaking LOVE all over her. Jesus, we know that You are so close to Deb. Please help her to see that. Help her to experience your presence. And Jesus, you know her needs right now. You know what she struggles with. Please lift that burden, Lord. It feels so heavy for her.
Deb says
Thank you
Beth Williams says
Deb,
Praying for the peace of God to surround you in your trials. May you sit quietly & let His grace, love & mercy wash over you–He’s out there holding a hand out to you.
Jesus, I pray you would run to Deb now. Please help her feel loved & cared for. May she feel your stong arms holding her–speak kind loving words to her so she can feel at rest & ease!
Deb says
Thnk you
Dana says
I know your need for Him is great…you are never alone.
Father,
Let us all be in your midst, soaking in Your great Love. Let not even one of us feel alone, but held by You. When we strive so hard to feel You, but can’t, show us where to meet You and recognize even the smallest of blessings as a great treasure from You. Show Deb an example of Your love today, Lord. And a whisper in her ear of all that You have for her. In the name of Your precious Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Heather Novak says
YOU are SO LOVED Deb. So. Loved. And you have such value. Make a call to someone who you feel could use an encouraging voice. In encouraging that person, may you find yourself encouraged too. God blesses you honey. And it looks like several of us have our arm around you.
Debbie says
I also love as I have been reading in the Chronicles where it says: “And He let them find Him.” This one in regards to their disobedience in following after other gods. Yes, God will be found by those who seek Him.
Stacey says
Thank you soo much for sharing this today. It has touched my heart beyond words & I especially needed it today as we pray for an unspoken request for our family that could change our lives <3
Audry Cece says
Thanks Lysa!!
I remember feeling this way in my life at one point too. Just hoping that by being close to someone who was close to God, some of that would rub off on me!
Makes me think of just how important it is to let other ladies know just how AVAILABLE Jesus is to them too!!!! xo
Elizabeth says
I have been there before and I feel like I’m there again. Thank you for this post. It touched my heart.
Kathy @ In Quiet Places says
I love the words of Acts 17:27, “he is not far from each of us”
Each individual one of us can press in and find Him near!
Julie Sunne says
You represented Christ to that lady, Lysa, and you represented Him well. Sometimes we don’t reflect Him in a good light. God bless you for being His ambassador. We all need this wonderful reminder to press into the One who gives life.
Nancy says
People mirror us, good and bad. I’ve been learning this. When I am annoyed with someone . . if I take a moment and think about it, I do the exact same thing they are doing – including my own child. A newer one I’ve been learning, if I am delighted by something I see in another, it is already a part of me . .
There have been many people in my life that I’ve wanted to be their friend, hang out with them, even live with them, just sit at their feet (like Ann Voskamp) and soak something, anything in. But it’s true, everything I need I possess, right here, inside of me; God’s put it there, He is there!
Kristen says
So powerful. What a wonderful response you had to that woman – to put your arm around her and keep talking.
I resonate. I so completely and utterly need Jesus… without His strength upholding me, I fall.flat.on.my.face.
Cynthia says
Such a wonderful post. It just touched my heart. Yes, it is true that Jesus is always there for us. We just need to recognize His Presence. But, when we are lost and afraid–unsure of how to seek our Lord, we look to others. Jesus knows this. And, with His vast love and kindness, He gives us someone to “Touch.” You were that someone. What a blessing for you and the other woman, as well. Continue your journey and continue to “Touch” all those who need you. Many blessings!
Lynn Warren says
The Holy Spirit…….such a comforter…..
wanda says
What a great way of putting it. I’ve never thought to snuggle up closer to someone for more of Jesus. But I will from now on. Sometimes, we are too weak or too far gone and this is certainly an alternative to feeling all alone and lost.
Johanna says
Beautifully written.
Lisa says
Followers of Christ are like a light to the world. When you are living it a feeling it, others are just drawn to you. It is infectious. I have experienced that in others. I just felt better when I was around them. I want to be infectious to others.
Katie says
Thank you for this post! It has blessed me in a special way today.
Jennifer says
What a beautiful post. Thank you! I yearn for this as well. I pray for this “feeling” of closeness, or oneness, or this “peacefulness” that comes with such great faith.
Patty says
This brought tears to my eyes. We all need Him every hour and yet not many of us are desparate enough to step up the way this woman was. You aren’t Jesus, but He is alive through you … that is the mystery of this age! HE can live through US (treasure in earthen vessels) and He touches others — really, not just in theory — as we touch them. We aren’t (in our flesh) the ones healing, but He designed it so that our healing can come through a touch and love from another human when they are out of the way and allow the Spirit to move as you did. How precious is each story in the Gospels where someone took the risk to step up to Jesus and risk an encounter that resulted in their deepest need for healing being met?! What a blessing to be witnesses of those radical leaps of faith … what greater blessing when we, ourselves take those risks. I am encouraged to step out just by reading this. Our hunger will be fed. Our longing satisfied. The burnt places revisited. Ashes traded for gladness – mourning for dancing.
ginny says
I was her too and sometimes still too! I hunger and thirst for him everywhere!
Dana says
Thank you, Lysa! For putting my feelings into words. The desire for Him is so great sometimes I think it will break me. I’ve been feeling so close to Him lately and I don’t want this feeling to end. Yet, when I take my eyes off of Him…I can feel the disconnect. I can only imagine how Holy that moment you and the other woman shared must have felt to everyone present. God Bless You!
Beth Williams says
God,
Please forgive me for my attitude this AM. I humbly apologize for my anger & word usage! Lord I want to be a much, much better Christian than I am today, please remake & remold my attitude.
I want to be close to you & at times can feel you through music & church services. Help me to keep that closeness during the week when I face trials at work!
Thank you Lord for InCourage & the wonderful words of Lysa!
summer@ a thirst for God says
Wow, Lysa, what an experience… and what thoughtfulness to put your arm around her and just keep teaching. …perhaps that was the sermon someone needed to see.
Diane Bailey says
Wow, what a wonderful wrinkle in time. The Holy Spirit is an amazing person!
Kathy Scott says
Such a great description of what the Lord is doing in our lives to transform us into the image of Christ, drawing many to Him through our words and actions. We (our earthly self) must decrease and He must increase in us daily through our actions to all the circumstances that press upon us. Gal 2:20 says it well, “I am crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”
Virginia Rush says
awesome Lysa…..that someone saw Christ so much in you, that they wanted to be able to receive that too. isn’t that what the men on the house did when they lowered their friend down to receive healing…they had faith that he would receive Jesus’ notice and healing. your lil friend was bringing herself to Jesus’ side and He used you to give her the courage to take that walk….I don’t know that I would have been brave enough. and maybe you entertained an angel unaware. you keep standing, wish I could hear you myself. do you ever come to Texas? Love your story so glad you wrote it…..Go with God…
Sarah@Speaking of Truth says
What a story! Thank you for your compassionate heart, Lysa.
Sharon O says
So beautiful and so ‘simple’.
Jan-Western Gal says
You write beautifully – I wish I was that lady that you hugged.
Allie says
Oh, I so get that. That need to be close to someone who seems to be close to Him so I can feel closer…yes it is such an intense pull. I love how you were so in tune and let things be as they needed to be for both of your sakes!
Rebecca says
You know, my friends and I talk about what you have written- wanting to be close to those people who are “anointed” or have that special something that you know is God shining though them (or something like that). I want to be around people like that, because I want that for myself.
A lady at our MOPS group became a Christian recently and she says she wants whatever my friends and I have! My friends and I (Christians) desire whatever those other “special” people have…maybe there is just a desire in all of us for God and when we sense someone has been in the presence of God it shows.
I could do with more of that right now! I am with Deb (above), unless I get more of God right now I am sunk.
Thank you for sharing this story.
Katy says
Dear Rebecca, I pray that God will wrap you in His healing light! Lord, draw Rebecca close to You, draw close to her, and fill her with a sense of Your presence! Help her to find You, Lord–reveal Yourself to her! Give her that closeness and that intimacy with You that she so craves! Fill her heart with Your love, Lord! Wrap her in Your arms of love, and show her how much You love her, that she is Your beloved daughter and that You long to be close to her, too! Give her more of You, Lord! In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
Love and blessings, Rebecca!
Anonymous says
Thanks so much Katy!
Janet Macy says
You gave me that burning desire to be close to Jesus as a result of this post. I’ve wanted for a long time.
I do feel his presence often, but sometimes those of us who have been Christians for 40+ years forget that deep yearning that we once had when we were new Christians. I want to feel that again.
This lady made me think of the woman in the Bible who thought if she could just touch the hem of Jesus’ garment she would be healed. She did and she was. She also was filled with a longing – a yearning – to be close to Jesus.
Thanks for sharing this beautiful post.
Jen says
So beautiful… I used to pray, “Jesus where are you?”. I’ve learn through the Holy Spirit, that I must go to where HE is. I need to find HIM, not wait for HIM to find me. It’s made all the difference…
Rita Harvey says
I love your post. Thank you!
Beth Werner Lee says
Can I come get a hug too?
Years ago I heard a talk at Camp of the Woods, don’t remember who, and he expounded on “You are not your own, you were bought with a price, therefore glorify God with your body,” by telling the story of a lady going through so much she couldn’t speak of, but she came to church and she received a hug and it was as if the arms of God were around her. He urged us to be the arms of Jesus.
Come to remember, I have received that hug. Thanks for sending it along. I’ll pay it forward.
Love,
Beth
Linda Ogborn says
That was me, that is me, that will be me…going along, confident that I see that open door, stepping through, feeling as if I see His Will and then somewhere in between…a bad day, a lonely thought, a depressing moment. I’ve often wondered how I can go from being confident in the Lord to being so desperate to know that I know Him, that I seek others or follow their lead. Thanks for showing me that I’m not the only one. I love your posts! 🙂
Joy says
Thank you for this.
It is beautiful.
I found myself whispering, “Yes, that’s what I want!”
Blessings to you.