Page 92 of Hidden Ascent

“What do you want?” She controlled her fear so it didn’t interfere with her voice.

“It’s Jemi. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“Jemi.” Isla relaxed back into the pillow. “You’re the only person I’d admit this too, but I was a little scared.”

“I shouldn’t be sitting in here like this, but since I’ve been sick, I’m done worrying about the way things look. I couldn’t sleep, and I knew you could use some serious prayer.”

“That’s thoughtful. But shouldn’t I be the one praying for you?”

“I would love to have your prayers. Maybe later.”

“I’ve been praying for you since I found out you were sick.”

“Thank you. Right now, though, I think you could use them.”

“I have been hit on the head a few too many times.”

“That’s not what you need prayer for.”

“You sure? It still hurts. But you’re probably right. We’re having a tough time finding answers. We could certainly use God’s help in whatever way He can.”

“That’s not what I’m praying for either. Not in the way you think, anyway.”

“That sounds very mysterious. What are you praying for, then?”

“I’m praying because you have everything backward.”

“Backward?”

“God feels far away, and you don’t know how to bring him close.”

“Maybe he doesn’t want to come in close.”

“You’re wrong.”

Isla pushed up in bed, moving the pillows so she could lean against the headboard. “Can I ask you something?”

“Yes.”

“You believe God is near you at all times? That he is working in your life every day?”

“I do.”

“I trust you, Jemi, but I can’t understand why we see God so differently. Peter’s said similar things, and even Jay seems to believe it, but I don’t get it.”

“Tell me about your dad.”

“I know what you’re thinking.”

“You do?”

“That I view God the way I view my dad. I don’t. I don’t believe God’s like my dad. My dad abandoned my mom and me. I don’t believe God has abandoned me.”

“Really?”

“No. I’ve heard all that before. I’ve forgiven my dad for being an angry, distant man who finally gave up on us. This has nothing to do with that.”

“Okay. Close your eyes.”

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