|
A friend texted me today and briefly told me about how God had taken two seemingly benign contacts she had just had with strangers and turned them into God moments. She's the kind of church member who loves to go on God's errands so her stories didn't surprise me.
But I think my response may have surprised her. I said, "Be sure to come to prayer meeting Wednesday night prepared to tell those stories." Her response suggested that she may have been thinking, "But these weren't earthquake-size stories." If the conversation had continued I might have said something like, "Any time God is involved we're in earthquake territory." When the God of the universe shows up and does His celestial choreography, let's be on high alert for the drama only He can create." Because He desires that His story be told.
In fact, His church should be known as a veritable story shop, a story factory. Every time He sets up a rendezvous between a needy heart and one of His grace-filled children, watch for the walls to move. And then tell that story. That's how He is glorified. "Let the redeemed of the Lord tell His story," Scripture admonishes.
The Christian meets no one by accident. We stride out into God's world and make ourselves available for His purposes. Some of the meetings He plans are graceful and predictable; some are off the chart unique.
My pastor friend, Virgil Covel, was headed for the office one morning a few weeks ago when he was broadsided by a truck. The crash totaled his car, and nearly totaled Virgil. Then the truck drove off. Victim of a hit-and-run, suffering a concussion and sitting in a car that wouldn't run Virgil wondered what to do next. As he was gathering his thoughts he was surprised to look up and see the same truck pull up behind him.
Standing by the vehicles the young driver apologized, then added, "I'm really in trouble; I'll never be forgiven for this." "Your dad?" Virgil queried. "No, I mean God. I wrecked a man's car, I could have killed him, and I don't even have a driver's license." After pushing the car to a safe place the two headed for town in the truck. Virgil sensed that he was talking to a young man who had some empty spiritual spaces in his life so he suggested they stop and have breakfast. Before the morning was over Virgil led the young truck driver to the cross where he found forgiveness. Later, when they got the paper work taken care of the young driver dropped Virgil off at his office. As he turned to leave, he put out his hand and said, "I hope you don't misunderstand what I'm about to say, but I'm glad I hit you." "Me, too," Virgil replied.
-By Don Jacobsen
|
