A young woman stood in the doorway of a homeless shelter, looking around with a mixture of fear and hope. She had never been in a place like this before, and she didn’t know what to expect. But she knew that she had nowhere else to go.
She had been living on the streets for the past few months, ever since her husband had left her and taken their young son with him. She had tried to find a job, but no one would hire her without a permanent address or a reliable phone number. She had been sleeping in parks and alleyways, and she was starting to lose hope.
But then she had heard about the homeless shelter. She had come to see if they could help her.
The woman at the front desk smiled at her. “Welcome,” she said. “What’s your name?”
“My name is Shana,” the young woman said.
“It’s nice to meet you, Shana,” the woman said. “What brings you to our shelter?”
Shana told the woman her story. The woman listened patiently, and when Shana was finished, she said, “We’re glad you’re here, Shana. We can help you get back on your feet.”
The woman showed Shana to a room where she could stay. She also gave her a voucher for a free meal in the dining hall.
Shana ate her meal, and then she went to her room. She was exhausted, but she was also hopeful. She knew that she was in a safe place now, and that she would be able to get back on her feet with the help of the shelter.
The next day, Shana went to the shelter’s job training program. She learned how to use a computer, and she was also given help with her resume. She was able to find a job a few weeks later, and she was able to move into her own apartment a few months after that.
Shana was so grateful for the help that she had received from the homeless shelter. She knew that she would never have been able to get back on her feet without their help.
She often thought about the verse “I am a gracious God who is righteous and full of mercy.” She knew that God had been merciful to her, and she was so thankful for His grace.
Shana’s story is a reminder that God is a gracious God who is full of mercy. He is always willing to help those who are in need. If you are struggling, don’t give up hope. God is with you, and He will help you through whatever you are facing.
“The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.”
Psalm 116:5