So, here we go...
It began the day I met Paul-- a man stripped of his worth, identity, and peace. As I walked into the store to pay for my gas after a long day at soccer and work, my eyes met a man begging the cashier for two dollars, tears streaming down his heavy eyes and hollowed cheeks. The lady proceeded to sternly say no, shaking her head in confidence. I told myself to mind my own business and slowly walked out of the double glass doors taped with signs looking for lost dogs and promoting the newest cigarettes.
As I was pumping my gas, I glanced over at the worn down picnic table outside of the gas station and saw a man, face shielded by his shaky hands and drenched in uncontrollable sobs. If you have a relationship with Jesus, you will understand me when I say you know when He is telling you to act. There is something special in the fact of knowing that you are nothing. Of knowing that no matter what happens in this life, there are far better things to come in eternity.
It was in the moment as I approached Paul, this reality hit me square in the face...
I am nothing. But my Jesus is everything. And because of that, I have the power to make a difference.
"Sir, is there anything I can do to help you?"
Cries, sobs, and more cries.
"Is it okay if I sit down with you for a little while?"
Paul shyly looked up and nodded his head yes.
Praise God for that head nod. After two hours of talking to a stranger that became a friend, I saw Jesus at that gas station. I saw what it meant to be loved unconditionally. Paul is an alcoholic, scarred from his past and chained down in shame. A homeless man subsisting off of a bottle and hoping to find some peace along the way.
I felt Jesus sitting there next to me on the splintered picnic table. I saw the torment and heartache seeping from my new friend. My heart hurt... then I felt peace.
Since that day a few months ago, I still have yet to see Paul again. I find a peace in knowing that nothing done in Jesus' name will ever return vain. There is beauty in knowing you can trust a sovereign God who will finish the work He started in you and I... and in Paul.
Jesus met me at the gas station that day and I am forever grateful. This burden holds infinite beauty because it is hand crafted by the Maker, chiseled in its unique form by the Potter. I stand in confidence knowing that my friend will meet the Savior. I invite you to pray with me-- for healing in this man's life, for strongholds to be broken, and for a love encounter with Jesus to take place. What a beautiful harvest to be seen!
What is your burden today? What is it that is dragging you down? Discouraging you?
I challenge you to REST.
Jesus has overcome and He makes ALL things beautiful. Whatever your burden is, look for the disguised beauty hidden within.
It's there.
Jesus has already made it beautiful.
I felt Jesus sitting there next to me on the splintered picnic table. I saw the torment and heartache seeping from my new friend. My heart hurt... then I felt peace.
Since that day a few months ago, I still have yet to see Paul again. I find a peace in knowing that nothing done in Jesus' name will ever return vain. There is beauty in knowing you can trust a sovereign God who will finish the work He started in you and I... and in Paul.
Jesus met me at the gas station that day and I am forever grateful. This burden holds infinite beauty because it is hand crafted by the Maker, chiseled in its unique form by the Potter. I stand in confidence knowing that my friend will meet the Savior. I invite you to pray with me-- for healing in this man's life, for strongholds to be broken, and for a love encounter with Jesus to take place. What a beautiful harvest to be seen!
What is your burden today? What is it that is dragging you down? Discouraging you?
I challenge you to REST.
Jesus has overcome and He makes ALL things beautiful. Whatever your burden is, look for the disguised beauty hidden within.
It's there.
Jesus has already made it beautiful.
