Have You Ever Seen the Face of God?

The Bible tells us no one can see God and live. But I recently experienced a moment where God revealed Himself to me in the face of a woman with Alzheimer’s.

I have the privilege of working with the elderly. Once a week I do a Bible study at a facility where many of the residents have Alzheimer's. For the most part, the memories of their past have been lost. One day, I prayed that if God was going to allow this disease into my life, then He would make sure I would never forget Him. I may forget my husband and even my own children. But I asked God to promise me that I would never forget the name of Jesus Christ.

When I arrived at this facility, I was overwhelmed to see a room full of people waiting to participate in the Bible study. Every seat was filled ready to hear what God had to say. As I looked into the faces of each of the residents, I noticed one woman off to the side who gave me little or no eye contact. She appeared very tired and worn down from life.

Suddenly in the midst of my study, I heard a quiet soft voice speak out. “Excuse me.” I looked over and noticed it was this same woman. I asked if she had something to share, and she quietly said three words that were barely audible for me to hear.

“I love you.”

I was moved by her comment and thanked her for such kind words. I started the study again when shortly after, I heard the familiar voice speak out, “Excuse me.” I smiled as I looked over at her and asked if she had something to say. She replied,

“I love you.”

I thanked her and once again began teaching where I’d left off. Moments later, this same woman spoke out, “Excuse me.”However this time her comment struck me differently. This wasn’t just a complete stranger saying “I love you.” I believe this was God Himself.

I walked over to her wheel chair and knelt down beside her. When I looked into her eyes, I no longer saw a woman with Alzheimer's, but a beautiful child of the Most High God. I knew at that moment she held every memory of Jesus Christ close to her heart. This woman may have lost memories of her earthly life, but she was fully aware of the eternal life awaiting her. God had answered my prayer showing me it was impossible to forget Him. As I reached for her hand, my heart overflowed with love and compassion. Her eyes sparkled and I could clearly see God’s Spirit living within her. I wasn’t just looking at an old woman; I believe I was looking into the face of God. I was so moved by His presence in her. With tears in my eyes, I replied,

“I love you too.”


It is impossible for us to forget God. Alzheimer’s may impair our brains, but it cannot impair His Spirit that lives in each of us. Ironically, I found myself somewhat envious of this woman whose earthly past was a blur, but her eternal life was crystal clear. We may not be able to see God face to face, but we certainly can experience facets of His love and compassion throughout all of His creation.

“Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom
in the inmost place.”
Psalm 51:6


Praise God that His Wisdom resides in our inner most parts where no disease can ever deter our memories and relationship with Him. And for those of us who have loved ones living with Alzheimer’s, may you also be comforted knowing that God remains in each of them, revealing His light and love to those who Seek His presence.