I've yearned for "real". Real stories of God, not in Bible days, but in modern day, and how He's moving in the lives of His people here and NOW. I haven't just yearned for it, I've been desperate for it. I'm not sure why that desire manifested itself, I just know that it has burrowed it's way into my heart.
What I love about God and the way He works is that HE knows what we need, when we need it. I hadn't told anyone about how I was feeling. To be honest, I hadn't even had any long discussions with God about it. But one day this week I was sitting at home watching TV, when I felt a stir in my heart and I said to God, "I need something real Lord."
About that time Denny said, "I want to read you a story from the book I'm reading. I think you'll like it."
To be honest, my first thought was a sarcastic "Great. Denny's gonna read me a story."
Denny came into the family room and sat down and started reading. He hadn't spoken three words before my tears began to flow. I felt God's presence immensely. I got up from my chair, trying to hide my tears, and turned off the TV so I could give HIS story my full attention.
Denny began reading a story to me about a man named Richard Stearns. He was the CEO of Lenox a company that sells China and dinnerware. One day a friend who worked for World Vision was speaking with Richard, and he said something to this effect, "Richard, World Vision is in need of a President, and every time I pray about who it should be, you come to mind." Richard, basically said, "I'm not interested. I'm not the man for that job."
I'm not going to tell you all the details, but in short, the rest of the story was about the incredible way God revealed himself, in the next six months or so of Richard's life, through people and circumstances, until Richard knew that he WAS the man God wanted to lead World Vision.
I was teary eyed through the whole story as Denny read to me the MANY ways God revealed himself in the here and now. A modern day man. A modern day God. And as Denny read, my faith increased.
But it didn't stop there, God continued to give me more stories throughout the week of how HE is showing off in the lives of modern day people....and in doing so He showed Himself greatly in my life by fulfilling my desire for something "real".
I'm so thankful for Jesus. Thankful for the personal relationship that He has invited us to have with Him. Thankful that the relationship is REAL. That He answers when we call to Him. That He met me in the middle of my "funk".
How is it that you need Him today? What "real" thing do you need? May you call on the One who has proven himself faithful for generations.
"Call to me, and I will answer you...." Jeremiah 33:3
(the book Denny read to me from was "The Hole in Our Gospel" by Richard Stearns)
BTW, in case you're wondering, yes, Denny is still a Children's Advocate for Compassion International, but we obviously support all who help those in poverty.
2 comments :
...and He seems to answer in ways that we couldn't imagine or in ways we probably wouldn't have picked, in ways so ordinary. Sometimes we have to humble ourselves before another person - a regular person that we may or may not know. Oh, but sometimes/usually I'm so desperate that I'll do anything. Real is addictive just because it brings life - real Life found only in Jesus. Thanks, Melissa.
I love that. There is nothing like seeing our God's real work in the lives of His beloved. Thanks for sharing that. (And btw, I like the new blog decor!)
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