Your Presence is all He wants

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

(Isaiah 41:10)

I was a fairly new believer, newly married, and had just moved thousands of miles from my home. We found a church home and we got connected through small groups and ministry. One particular ministry I was drawn to was mentoring at a home for young pregnant girls. Each week we prayed, did devotions, listened to their fears and joys, made baby books and baby blankets. We held baby showers and celebrated the births of their babies, and sometimes we came by their side and helped them to pick out an adoptive family for their baby. We walked the path with them. It was both heartbreaking and rewarding work. You see, I too had been a pregnant teen. My daughter had just gone off to college, so I had some experiences to share and could understand their journey.

After serving in this home for a year, our ministry leader moved away, then one by one the other two women stopped serving due to various reasons. I was the only one left. I was still such a new believer and I was not confident in my abilities to pray and do devotions. My husband was being reassigned back to the northern Virginia area in 6 months. I convinced myself that I couldn’t do it alone and that I would be busy packing. So I notified them that I would not be able to come anymore.

As I left that night and was walking to my car, I heard the Holy Spirit say to me “You need them, more than they need you”. Wow! I didn’t really understand that, but knew what I needed to do. I went back inside and informed them that I would work it out and continue coming! The next month, I became pregnant with my son! Over my last few months there, these girls ministered to me and did for me what I had been doing for them. It was a beautiful experience, and one I would have missed. I was so blessed and nurtured by being a presence in this home.

Being present was all that was needed, God took care of the rest!

About Renee Kinnear

Renee is married to Rob, has two children and two grandchildren. She enjoys traveling and cooking. Her happy place is the beach! She enjoys running the St Thomas Clothing Closet and the fellowship with the other volunteers.