God Is Bending Down

Posted on by Jennifer Arimborgo
Israel and me in the early days

 

“Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!” (Ps. 116:2, NLT).

My husband Israel recently remembered the following story from 1997, which took place less than a year after I met him. As soon as I heard it, I knew I needed to share it with you. He recalled,

“I had been making big money playing soccer professionally. But the moment came that God called me into ministry. Surrendering to Him, I left all the fame and the luxury behind.  After having lived so comfortably, I immediately began to experience financial pressure. A month went by, and I was so uncomfortable. My distress increased as more months dragged by.

“At about the eight-month mark, I was painfully discouraged. The contrast between the lush lifestyle I had previously enjoyed, and the constant lack I now suffered, was extreme. It seemed like my current reality had depleted me of all vitality.

“I sat down on the sidewalk feeling like I could hardly go on this way. Tears began to escape, running down my cheeks. Having nowhere else to turn, I poured out my heart to God. With raw candor, I blurted out to Him, ‘Why did You call me to a life that is so miserable? I don’t even have enough money to buy myself a soda and a piece of sweetbread!’

“Immediately following that desperate prayer, an older sister from our church walked by. She saw me sitting there and came up to greet me. When she asked how I was doing, such genuine love shone from her eyes. She then affectionately tucked some money into my hand and said, ‘Here. Buy yourself a soda and some sweetbread.’

“My mouth just about fell open. I suddenly, tangibly knew in that moment what I had not really grasped before. It was this: When I express my needs to God, He is really listening. I began to weep again. But this time, my tears were different. They flowed into a heartfelt prayer of gratitude and renewed commitment to the Lord.

“This poignant experience of His care for me gave me the strength to go on. That difficult financial dry season went on to last for two years. However, I now understand how essential it was. It helped shaped me into the man that I have become. It was in those months of scarcity that I began to learn to truly depend on God.”

As I type this out for you, Israel’s testimony of our Father’s attentiveness brings a joyful laugh bubbling up out of my spirit. My eyes are moist. Truly, He gives us exactly what we need as He shapes us on His potter’s wheel. If your heart is looking for encouragement today, pour out your heart to Him with raw honesty. He wants you to share with Him how you are feeling. Even right now, He is bending down to listen!

********************

Have you experienced a moment similar to this one from my husband’s journey? In what special ways has God shown His attentiveness to your heart’s cries?

23 thoughts on “God Is Bending Down”

  1. What an incredible and powerful testimony. The Psalms are filled with pleas and honest cries to God.
    David himself often called out to God, as in the Psalm 22, where he cries, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

    It’s perfectly acceptable to come to God with a sincere and aching heart, as long as you approach Him with the respect He deserves and a willingness to believe and listen to His response.

    Thank you for sharing your husband’s story

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. I like how you expressed that, Willie. I have many times heard people share the part about pouring out our heart honestly to God, but forgetting to include the vital importance of doing so from a posture of reverence and respect at the same time. Both go together in a fundamental way, thank you so much for sharing that!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. I think we can all relate to this. When we cry out to God, it’s often in moments of distress, anger, or shock, leaving us feeling lost and confused. Our natural reaction is to respond in anger. However, as David teaches us, and as you mentioned, when we reach out to God with our hurt and anger, we must do so with reverence and respect. This way, He can hear us and provide the answers we seek. We should also hold onto the promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Amen and amen. I am so grateful for HIs unfailing love in all circumstances of our lives. I believe that even as we spend eternity plumbing the depths of it, we will always have more of His love to discover!

        Like

  5. This touched me. Thank you for sharing this and it is powerful reminder that our God is always near, listening to us and He cares for us. Blessings to you sister 🙏🏽
    Love the pic.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  6. Blessings Jennifer for sharing Israel’s witness of God’s grace in action. Years ago when my teaching position was cut because of a budget crunch, I was totally blindsided. During these trying times, God taught me to fully trust Him. I eventually found another teaching position in Wyoming, but I knew that God would bring me back to Montana.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you, too, for sharing that, Richard. Testimonies like that are just so powerful. Truly, nothing can replace our history with God,. I was talking to my oldest daughter today about that, and expressed to her how glad I am to be this far into my journey with Him. Having personally experienced over and over and over and over and over again how He comes through for us, it’s easier to remember HIs goodness when new faced by new sets of challenges. Grace and peace to you, my brother, as you continue to walk with Him, leaning on His faithfulness!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Leave a comment