Miriam’s aches and pains are with her all day every day, but so is her trust in God. And God uses her trust to encourage others. Like the day Miriam was dining at a local restaurant. As she was washing her hands in the restroom her leg began to hurt intensely. Thinking she was alone, she quietly sang a favorite song, pouring out her cares to God.

Back at her table, she was approached by a woman she had never met. “Were you just singing in the bathroom?” the lady asked. Somewhat taken aback, Miriam answered, “Yes.” “I was in the same bathroom as you were singing, and the words and music touched my heart. As you sang, I felt God’s healing presence within me.”

“I have just learned that I have cancer and face a long road of challenges ahead. Your song changed my sorrows to hope.” Miriam and her new friend prayed together in the middle of the restaurant, both of them praising God for His love and good timing, and thanking Him for His healing grace. God used Miriam’s song that day to touch a woman whose spirit needed encouraging in a dark time of uncertainty. And like Miriam, when we are willing to share God’s loving presence in our life with others, He will use us to touch people with compassion that brings peace, with strength that brings courage, and with power that heals the soul.