Dear God, I Am a Huge Fan

About a week ago during a prayer meeting, a sister shared a profound prayer point that has stayed with me: we must always ask God to place helpers in our path, even in the most ordinary of circumstances, such as whilst travelling on public transport. Her words stirred something deep within me, and the Holy Spirit prompted me to share an experience from several years ago that speaks to this very truth.

What I am about to share happened on the 30th of May, 2017, a day when I experienced God's grace in the most unexpected way. I understand that if you have never found yourself in such a predicament, this testimony might seem quite simple, but if you have walked this path, I invite you to share your own experience of how you came through.

There I was, feeling rather pleased with myself, scrolling through my phone in the bus when the driver announced, "Your money, line by line." I reached for my bag, expecting my wallet to be where it always was, only to discover it was nowhere to be found. No wallet. No money. No transport fare. I searched every corner and crevice of that bag, hoping to find even Five Naira, but there was nothing. It was in that moment that the full weight of my situation dawned upon me: I was stranded.

Yet the most remarkable thing happened. Even in the midst of this storm, I felt an extraordinary peace settle over me. I did not know how I would pay, but I was at rest. The Lord truly was my shelter in the storm. The lady sitting beside me asked, "Are you giving him change?" I confessed that I could not even find my wallet. Without hesitation, she passed her money to the driver, saying, "For one."

Then came the moment when the driver called out, "E remain one person for back." I did not know whether to smile nervously or to confess that my wallet was lost. Before I could formulate a response, a lady in the bus stretched Five Hundred Naira towards me and said, "Use this to pay, and I hope the change gets you home."

I did not know whether to laugh or cry, to shout or remain silent. I had not asked; she simply gave. I could not comprehend such kindness. As she prepared to alight from the bus, I managed to say, "Thank you," though if I had begun to pray, I might never have stopped. She looked at me with such grace and said, "Don't mention it, but please don't forget your change." In my mind, I thought immediately that the change was not even mine to keep, yet she made me feel so at ease, as though there was no cause for embarrassment at all.

At the last bus stop, one of the other passengers turned to me and asked, "I hope that's enough to get you home?" I smiled and replied, "Yes, thank you."

I left that bus a changed and profoundly happy person. In that moment, I believed afresh that there is hope for us in Nigeria. Even with little, we give plenty. We do so much to lift one another's spirits and ease each other's burdens. I am grateful to have encountered some of the angels in our midst that day. I might not remember all your faces, but I pray that you find favour everywhere you turn, and may the peace of God abide with you always.

Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Jesus' biggest fan,

Adebimpe