Story corner

Scripture: Psalm 119:105
‘Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.’ (KJV)

Although a few people decide on a profession when they are teenagers or younger, many struggle with that decision for years. But the lady in this story received her calling at just 17 years of age. She wrote in her diary, ‘God spoke to me and called me to his service.’

However, just a few years later life did not turn out as she desired. Depression gripped her and again documented in her diary she wrote: ‘My God, what will become of me? I have no desire but to die.’

A few years later she found revival in Jesus and a new purpose for living – a new fulfilment of her expectation to serve the Lord. She turned her thoughts from her own circumstances and began to help others. In her new capacity she became known as ‘The Lady with the lamp’.

This was the mid 19th century when Britain was involved in the Crimean war with Russia over Turkey. The awful conditions of the British wounded was written about in the press and ‘our lady’ left England for Turkey. She was determined to help however she could. Later, The Times would write about her:

‘She is a “ministering angel” without any exaggeration in these hospitals, and as her slender form glides quietly along each corridor, every poor fellow’s face softens with gratitude at the sight of her. When all the medical officers have retired for the night and silence and darkness have settled down upon those miles of prostrate sick, she may be observed alone, with a little lamp in her hand, making her solitary rounds.’

‘The Lady with the lamp’ went on to share Jesus as she made her rounds. Her compassion for the sick and dying became legendary. She ultimately inspired new sanitary and hygiene standards that dramatically reduced the number of deaths. Her name was of course ‘Florence Nightingale’ founder of the nursing profession.

Maybe there are times when you’re at the point of not wanting to go on. If so ask Jesus to give you purpose beyond yourself and minister to others. Just as Florence Nightingale came out of her depression and found ways to help others we can too.

Prayer: Father as you did for ‘The Lady With The Lamp’, Florence Nightingale – where there is depression and no hope bring a new revelation of Jesus and a purpose for the Kingdom. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!

Courtesy of: Christian Cyber Ministries www.christiancyberminstries.org