Leading Us Home
Many of us move through life, some quietly, others flamboyantly, displaying monikers like role model, mentor, leader or friend, yet have we ever really accomplished much of worth in these roles? Have we better prepared anyone for life or are we always just coaching away the last challenge or next scheduled engagement? Do those we intercede with build the lessons, counsel or wisdom we’d like to convey into their daily lives? The answer is at best, sometimes. For most short stops along the tracks of life, we have very little influence, yet once in awhile the Lord pulls off an upset while using us to execute His game plan. Nearly every reborn Christian can point to one person and/or event in their life, where such a critical intercession occurred and where often the referenced intercessor has no knowledge of the role that they played. Here’s one I remember clearly, since it produced two beneficiaries.
About six years ago a young adult man from the deep south knocked on my midwestern door. Although he was selling subscriptions, his introduction spiel included his youthful indiscretions, as well as his desire to change his life. Despite a long list of to-do’s that day, this seemed like an unusually opened door. I asked him “how is that going for you”? In a cautiously optimistic tone, crumpled white shirt, with bunched up sign up sheets, it was clear from several unrelated questions about my life, that he was seeking something more. We sat on my shaded front porch and shared some cool water in the midst of that hot summer day, while I answered his questions and offered some alternative life changing suggestions. He listened quietly, yet so very intently, his deep brown eyes never once straying from mine. When I’d delivered the words that were provided to me that day, he lowered his head and began to shake with tears rolling down his cheeks. Concerned, I asked “Are you OK”? to which he slowly replied, “I don’t know, but somehow I know that your Jesus just spoke directly to me through you, I could see Him in your eyes”! Shocked, I said, “well I hope that He’s your Jesus now too”. I don’t know what that young man saw in my eyes that day, but I do know Who’s Word he was actually hearing. “And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his own arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it upheld him. (Isaiah 59:16 ASV). It’s never what we can accomplish on our own that matters, it’s only how God can employ us to help lead His precious children home.
JC Calkins with COMMON SENSE 4 UNCOMMON PEOPLE
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Woot, I will certainly put this to good use!