Written by: Brittany McCormick
Article source: JOY! Magazine
Last year, Ilana’s life had taken a real turn. She had always believed her purpose was bigger than her own plans – to serve, to lift others, to make a difference. Still, she often wondered whether her efforts counted, whether the work truly mattered. Underneath, she longed for direction and carried the weight of hopes that had not yet taken shape.
A prayer that changed direction
In prayer she kept it simple: “Lord, show me how I can truly serve. Lead me to the work You have prepared for me.” She did not know it then, but that prayer opened a new chapter for her – one marked by purpose, growth, and God’s leading.
A meeting that mattered
Not long after, we met at the Global Leadership Summit. It did not feel random. My story of walking with disability and trusting God spoke to a desire already growing in her – to make a real, practical impact, even when life is hard.
Learning to help well
From that point, our connection became a steady lesson in patience and compassion. Ilana set herself to learn my world – my hopes, my limits, and the victories that do not always look big from the outside. She chose humility and sensitivity. We both discovered that real support asks for more than effort; it needs empathy and a willingness to adjust.
Small wins, lasting fruit
As we worked together, Ilana saw change – in my confidence and capacity, yes, but also in her own heart. Through routine and trial and error, she found deeper patience, fresh creativity, and perseverance that lasts beyond a good day. She learnt that helping someone with a disability is not simply doing things for them – it is creating space for them to shine in their own way.
Why this work matters
Her path was full of small wins: progress in my work, clearer systems, more independence, and a confidence that grew quietly. Every step reminded her that nothing is wasted. Even the small, faithful acts sit inside a bigger plan that God is unfolding.
What she holds onto
All the while, Ilana prayed for wisdom and strength. She asked God to guide each choice. She believed her work formed part of a wider purpose – to bring light where hope felt thin, to encourage inclusion and understanding, and to watch transformation up close. As my story kept unfolding – the setbacks, the strides forward, the steady faith God gives – Ilana found deep fulfilment. She began to see her kindness and consistency as seeds planted in faith, trusting God for the fruit in His time. Today, Ilana holds a simple truth: every act of service changes two lives – the one who gives and the one who receives. When we take a step of faith and trust that God’s plan is larger than ours, He goes to work. In that shared space of purpose and compassion, hope rises and hearts begin to heal.
This article is featured in the December issue of JOY! Magazine. Read a digital version of this magazine here: joygifts.co.za
Click here to KEEP UPDATED on the latest news by subscribing to our FREE weekly newsletter.
> Please support Christian media and journalism in South Africa. Help us to spread the Word of God and take a stand for the truth by making a donation to our ministry. We appreciate your support. Click here to take hands with JOY! Magazine.
Date published: 11/12/2025
Feature image: Brittany and Ilana
DISCLAIMER
JOY! News is a Christian news portal that shares pre-published articles by writers around the world. Each article is sourced and linked to the origin, and each article is credited with the author’s name. Although we do publish many articles that have been written in-house by JOY! journalists, we do not exclusively create our own content. Any views or opinions presented on this website are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company.
