DAY 3

Carolyn Speirs | Re:Hope West End

My younger sister and I found ourselves on opposite sides of a “fight” that was the start of a breakup of the church our families used to go to. Tension had been growing between both of us for maybe two years leading up to the events that caused this breakup, but we are both naturally peace makers and don’t like confrontation. Of course we’d had the usual bickering and arguing of siblings growing up, but this issue was more silent, nearly unspoken between us. Still, I was aware of this building difference of opinion.

It wasn’t doctrinal, but based on the behaviour of people in various positions at church. When the eventual breakup arrived, just over two years ago, it was a grief and caused heartbreak for so many. When my younger sister and I talked about it, I was shocked at how different our viewpoints actually were and realised it would take a miracle to truly reconcile and unify us again.

We did our best to keep doing all we normally did, mini breaks together, long walks, charity shopping, Sunday dinners. But there was a tension. It was breaking my heart, and hers, and my mum’s.

I asked for prayer on a few occasions at the response time; I brought it before God often and we both just kept doing the right thing before God. Just before Christmas 2024, the situation between us began to heal. Over the next few months we talked through our thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I asked my sister to forgive me for the ways I had behaved over many years that may have caused her hurt. Then one day in the spring, we were at a clothes swap at her new church — we share an enjoyment of bargain hunting and thrifting — she grabbed a very nice navy velvet blazer and I grabbed a light blue jumper, and we both asked “what do you think?” Then, we burst out laughing as she had chosen an item I’d brought to the swap, and I’d chosen one of hers!

In that moment there was a spiritual ripple between us and we flung our arms around each other. We acknowledged that God had restored our relationship and the old ease of being together was back. God is “in the business of healing hearts … only He can make them known, for only He can possess the key” (Robin Mark).

How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers or sisters live together in harmony!  Psalm 133:1

Danny & Grace Harvey | Re:Hope Southside

Years ago, I was praying and felt God highlight three of my closest friends; people I’d known since my first year of secondary school. None of them came from Christian families, and at the time, none had any interest in faith. But I felt a deep sense of responsibility, not to force anything, but to pray. To pray specifically that they would find Jesus. So I did— for years. 

Then, in the lead-up to our wedding, Grace and I received a prophetic word: our wedding would be a catalyst moment for our friends' salvations. We didn't know how this would happen or what the Lord would do, but we prayed together over and over again that it would happen. 

Our wedding day came and the whole day was incredible, but our friends hadn't said anything to us about wanting to know Jesus, etc. Grace and I left the venue and in the taxi ride home received a text message that to close the wedding one of our friends had asked to pray!!!! We couldn't believe it - just one week ago that particular friend had said that he loves us but this whole God thing was not for him. He then came to church on Sunday and every week since. 

A year on from our wedding, all 3 of them have found Jesus and they are a bigger blessing to the body of Christ than I could have even imagined. 

Just like that, my longest lasting prayer. Answered. 

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Is there a prayer request you’ve had for a LONG time? Try praying it again today with renewed hope and boldness!