Evidence Not Seen a story about a missionary to Indonesia who is taken prisoner by the Japanese during WWII. On death row, accused of being a spy, her only daily activity was climbing the wall of a tiny cell to peek out onto a courtyard and watch other prisoners mill about.
Once she saw an inmate receive bananas through the woven fence. As soon as they appeared the cravings started. She got down on her knees and asked God for just 1 banana.. Yet, there was no one she could think of that was sympathetic to her plight; no one who would do something like that for her. She told God how impossible it was for Him to do this thing for her… never mind.
I love this story and the way she tells it. The honesty about her thoughts, reveals my own words in prayer. How many times have I done that to God? Underestimated Him? Saying,”This is probably too much to ask for, too impossible.” Hmmm, for God? Or for me to believe?
Darlene Deibler Rose’s story continues with a visit from her Japanese prison camp commander with whom she had dared to share the Gospel. He came to see her conditions on death row. He turned away at the dreadful sight, then sent a gift… of bananas. And not just one, but 92! God HAD provided.
Now, when I see something incredible happening, as if straight from God’s hand, I say, “that’s bananas.” It’s an inside joke for us, but it reminds me that God is full of wonderful surprises. His kindness and concern for me are bigger than I can possibly imagine.
Lord, help me to ask You boldly for the impossible. Open my eyes so I can see all of the ways You answer the longings of my heart. I ask for more faith to trust You for bananas.
ForGlorySake! -Anna
