For those of you following, I told you there would be a part 2. This was written by my husband several weeks ago after an encounter he had. If you read through past posts, you will see how we were waiting for an answer and not just what we thought may be an answer. My husband wanted God to walk up to him and deliver the answer Himself. And don't be discouraged by the title- my husband is also a "Jesus Freak"!
Hubby gave approval to post this so here you go-
Feb 18, 2009
Jesus Freak!!
Jesus Freak!!
How many of us have actually thought something to this degree? Maybe it was because of the guy on the corner with a megaphone telling everyone that they are sinners and the world is coming to an end. It could also be the guy who turned his van into a moving billboard with a system on the roof forcing everyone to hear his voice of reason. I mention this because of what happened this morning as I sat at the bar in Waffle House having a late breakfast with my father. As we talked about various things going on in life he asked me about a friend from high school. We were discussing some of the issues between he and his father when the man sitting next to me chimed in on our conversation. Why is it that people always have to interject?! He immediately started quoting Bible scriptures and informing me of how the world was soon coming to an end.
I tried to disconnect from his conversation but in actuality this guy was pretty well versed in the bible and was able to throw out some pretty impressive scriptures. This went on for about ten minutes or so with me only having enough room in the conversation for an occasional yes here and there. This mystery man gave some good advice even though I hadn’t asked for any. He proceeded to tell me that if I wanted to know how I’m suppose to live my life I need to read Psalms, Ephesians & James. He then said I would need to primarily focus on James.
*Sorry, I have to interrupt- this is the really important part!
You are probably wondering why I’m telling you this? For a long time I have prayed to God for wisdom and guidance in my life. I have asked that I have the patience to listen when He is trying to speak to me and the wisdom to know His voice. Here is where things get really interesting. This man, whom I have never met, looked me straight in the eyes and said, “If you really want to know what God’s plan for YOU is, then there is only one sentence in the Bible you need to read." He then paraphrased this verse from James 1:27 “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by this world”. Then he finished with “I don’t know why I just told you that but I feel better now that I did”. It felt like someone just hit me in gut with a bat. He proceeded to wish my father and I a blessed day and went on his way. It’s not everyday that you have a complete stranger quote scripture to you that parallels your prayers to God.
My wife has had adoption on her heart for approximately 4-5 years and I have not been on that bandwagon. I started praying for God to reveal His plan for me about a year ago and let me know if this was the path that He wanted for us. My wife has often said that I must be waiting for God’s voice literally! My question is, did I just hear it? For the first time in a long time I’m scared! I want to obey Him with my whole heart but why do I have so many fears? Why were the other times so easy for me to follow and get out of my boat? Those times were so clear to me even though the task wasn’t always easy. I feel like Evan Almighty where he tells God that he has plans for his life and God started laughing. Is He laughing at me? Is He waiting patiently or is He frustrated with me as I would be with my child? I don’t know but I will continue to pray, pray without ceasing. Please pray with me for guidance, wisdom and strength to perform His will!
I don't think there's much more to say after that. The only thing I'll add is how many times do we miss God? I probably do too many. I think things are signs from God, but are they really? I analyze and analyze and analyze until I'm so confused I don't know what the "right" answer is. I believe we got the right answer this time, and we couldn't be happier!!
Thank you, God!
In Him,
E
5 comments:
Oh my goodness, sweet friend--I have chills. It sure does sound to me like God put an angel in that Waffle House JUST for your hubby. Really! What an incredible encounter. My heart is so full of expectation for you. I absolutely cannot wait to hear how things unfold from here on. This is turning out to be such an amazing testimony--remember to write the journey down, every step of the way. God will use it someday!
Speechless, I'm absolutely speechless...
That is SO ENCOURAGING to me as I am in the same boat with my hubs as you know. Sounds like God thumped him right on the head with that one :) And your prayers are answered! I teared up reading his sweet words.
Wow, that is amazing! Doesn't get any clearer than that...
Also referring back to the Evan Almighty movie... I love the part in the diner when God (as the waiter) tells his wife... "If you pray for courage does God give you courage or the OPPORTUNITY to be courageous? If you pray for time with your family does he give you time with your family or does he give you the OPPORTUNITY to have time with your family? That is so true. I pray that God will now give you the opportunity to look after those orphans. Your family is truly inspiring.
Elisabeth & Slade,
Tears are running down my face as I read this. I cannot think of a more wonderful family! I don't think it can get any clearer...a stranger in a Waffle House giving you a specific verse in the Bible!? And as for the 4-5 years, remember it is on HIS timing, not ours and He will provide and bless you all. I know sometimes when we are confused, we can still look back later and see what He was doing in our lives. That grows our faith, and we become able to have that faith upfront even though we may not be sure what He is doing at that moment. I know you have that faith, and now it is God's timing. We will all pray for you and your new additional family. I am so excited for you all - keep us posted!! And yes, I will have some things to donate for the sale.
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