Yesterday morning, my life was changed by a little girl named Rebekah.
This week our team is working with a small church in Kampala, called Light Embassy Sanctuary. We have been going door-to-door, meeting people, praying for them, and sharing the gospel.
After arriving Tuesday morning at the church, we split off into pairs, and each group with a translator. We then made the walk up towards the neighborhood we would walk through. My teammate Matt and I were paired with Pastor Love.
After about half an hour, and our third “door”, we met a woman. She introduced herself as Rebekah, and we laughed, having the same name. She is a believer, and invited us into her house to pray. She was so filled with joy and we had the blessing of giving her a word of encouragement.
We began talking to her and several minutes later, a younger woman came into the room, holding a small baby. Rebekah got very excited, and taking the baby, introduced us to her daughter, Rebekah. (I know, right!? Such a good name. In case you lost track that is 3 Rebekah’s in one small room.)
She proceeded to walk over to me and placed precious Rebekah into my lap.
Within seconds, I realized something was wrong. Not only was this baby not a baby, she was physically disabled. Her joints were very stiff, and her eyes were completely lifeless. I tried my best to hold her, but because she was so stiff, it was difficult.
We asked and found out that Rebekah is actually 4 years old, yet the size of her 1-year-old brother. She cannot walk, cannot speak and does not eat solid food.
Immediately my heart broke. She began to cry, loudly at first, and then quiet sobs, until she had only tears running down her face. I felt such compassion for this beautiful child, and instantly wondered,
“What is her future? Why would God allow this life for this child?”
I wiped away her tears, looking into her eyes, and started whispering, “You are beautiful. You are a child of God. You have WORTH.”
I was reminded, God has a plan for her life. He knew the struggles she would have. He loves this little girl more than I can possibly imagine. However short, (or LONG!) her life is, He has every second planned.
Matt and I had the opportunity to pray for this sweet girl, little Rebekah. We were able to speak LIFE into her and pray for healing over her broken body. And the most amazing part? Watching as life began to fill her face and her once lifeless eyes!
I don’t know what her future looks like. I do know that my God heals, and though it may not be in this life, in her earthly body, one day she WILL be healed.
And that is part of His great plan.
Sweet Rebekah, thank you for the reminder of how precious each and every life is.
For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mothers womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Psalms 139:13-14
