God's footstool

By Keith Williamson Special to the Sentinel

This story has a simple, but powerful message. Many times those are the best.

The week had been exceptionally long. I was tired and had a lot on my mind. Yet, as a pastor's wife, I felt I must always be the strong one.

Our church altar is always open to those who wish to go forward and pray or ask others to pray with them. But the pastor s wife? What would people think?

I longed to have that refreshing, strengthening moment at the altar. I like to think of it as God s footstool.

I brushed away the pride and stepped quietly forward. I knelt at one end, trying to seem invisible. But the very moment my knees hit the altar, a sense of His glorious Holy Spirit flooded over me. I could feel His power and strength rejuvenate me. His presence surrounded me like a warm, soft, lingering blanket.

I've learned to go frequently to God s footstool, not just for my needs, but for the needs of other dear ones to be lifted up in prayer.

I m thankful God helped me shed my pride and take that first step.

FromWhen I m Praising God byAnita Corrine Donihue, (Uhrichsville, Ohio: Barbour Publishing, 1999).