Where two or three are gathered – Testimony

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“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20

Looking at this picture, I still recall the day that God’s Word resonated in our lives. I have always prayed that God would show Himself in my young son’s life. That he would witness God’s power for himself, not just what his mother has said, or his grandmother, but for himself. The testimony I am about to share with you still gives me chills when I think about the goodness of God! 

I recently took my son on vacation to the beach before school started. I have never been kayaking and figured this would be an exciting experience for both of us. I purchased lifejackets, water protective gear for our items, and swim shoes to prepare for the adventure. I called the shop to see if we could have a tour guide go with us but was informed the guide had already returned to school. On the day of our kayaking adventure, we were taken out to the kayak in the picture and provided procedures of how to work the paddles. 

After receiving our instructions, my son and I got into the kayak and were pushed into the water. Our instructor stayed on land and continued to share tips as we maneuvered in the water. As my son and I worked to paddle at the same time, in the same direction, we noticed we were going further and further out, nearing the marshes that our instructor had warned us to steer from because the water was a bit rough in that direction. We started to cry out for help! 

The instructor did her best from land to guide us. However, each time we followed her instructions to turn around and paddle straight, the watercraft would turn us around in a circle. Immediately, my son and I knew this was not the adventure for us. We worked diligently together to turn around, mastering that move, but could never keep straight to head back to the store.

The next thing we knew, we were further out and was near the bridge where people were fishing. My son and I called out for help to our instructor, who hopped into another kayak near land, and tried to direct us back towards her. No matter how much we tried, we just couldn’t get back to her. This is when I felt fear try to overpower me! Just like the below picture, we were surrounded by nothing but water.

I knew if I had let fear set in that I would be worse off. So, I suppressed it and called out to the only name that I knew for help. JESUS! My son and I both called on Jesus for help. I overrode the fear that was trying to surface within me with the name of Jesus! The instructor, who stayed closer to land, eventually told us she had to go back in, leaving us circling and crying out for help in the water. I could hear the alarm in my son’s voice as he called for the instructor to come back and not leave us. She stated that she was the only one working the store and had to go back. Though, there were not any customers around near closing.

My son and I continued to work together. We tried not to get frustrated with each other as the bridge was near sight with nothing but open water ahead of our eyes to the nearby island. We called on Jesus to help us! Did I tell you we were the only ones in the water? There were no other kayakers out there. 

Then, SUDDENLY, two fishermen appeared.

Out of nowhere, two men appeared with their boat. They could tell we were struggling; even the people from the bridge fishing had noticed. The men were so kind and provided encouraging words that we could do it! They came close and encouraged us to paddle towards them. My son was sitting in the front of the watercraft, so one of the fishermen gave him a cord to hold onto so they could pull us back to land with their boat. I held the paddles as they drove us to land. Our instructor, watching the entire scene from land, got in the water and grabbed the kayak when the fishermen brought us back. I got out, praising God, and thanked the fishermen for their generosity.

After a tour, patrons pay for renting the kayak. I offered to pay, but the instructor wouldn’t take my money. She said we were only out there for 20 minutes. I guess she felt bad. This was an experience we will never forget. God showed up on time to help the two of us calling out HIS NAME for help! We talked about it the entire ride back to our vacation rental. I couldn’t help but think to myself about the two fishermen in God’s Holy Word. Jesus’ first disciples.

¹⁸ As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ¹⁹ “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” Matthew 4:18-19

Later that day, my son said to me, “Mommy, didn’t Jesus have two fishermen in the Bible?” His question brought an immediate smile to my face. I hadn’t said one word about what I had been thinking about the fishermen and there was my son thinking the same thing! I responded, “Yes!” God receives all the praise!

I’m sharing this testimony, because I hope you will NEVER forget that God is always near. There is power in His name. Man may leave, but God does not. I pray that this testimony encourages you today to keep the faith and remember in Matthew 18:20:

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

God bless you!

If you’re not saved today, then I encourage you to visit my Salvation Prayer page. Welcome Jesus Christ in your heart today. You will not thirst again. He will give you living water (John 4:10). Praise God!

Love you all in Christ, ❤
Ayesha L. Shoulders