The Friend She Never Knew

“Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting.”  -- 1 Corinthians 13:7

Baruti was running late. Damn the traffic!  His daughter would be so upset if he missed her soccer match – again!  He shouldn’t have stopped at the market for groceries.

The car started to choke and sputter . . . and die.  Great, he thought sarcastically.  He managed to coast into a convenience store to wait for a tow truck.  The gas gauge read almost full but the engine was lifeless!

Before he could make the call, he noticed a woman pumping gas.  She was crying; dark circles hung below her tired eyes.  Her desperation was obvious: the tears, the rusty SUV crammed full of stuff, 3 children in the back (1 in a car seat), and the gas pump had stopped at only $15. He approached her.

“I don't want my kids to see me crying,” Fatima sobbed, so they stood on the other side of the pump. “Things aren’t so good for us right now,” she managed.  

 “Were you praying?' he asked politely.  When she nodded modestly, Baruti continued, "He must have heard you, so He sent me!"

When she went to pay for gas, he used his own credit card and filled her car completely.  He then took the bags of groceries from his car and placed them in hers.

They talked briefly when she returned – still unaware of the miracle that had just happened.  Fatima confided that her husband had left 2 months ago and they hadn’t been able to make ends meet.  Heartbroken, she called her parents, with whom she had not spoken in over 5 years.  They insisted Fatima come live with them until she could get on her feet again.

Baruti put his hand into his pocket, pulled out a $50 bill and discreetly dropped it on the ground.  He reached down, picked up the bill.  “This must have fallen from your purse,” he whispered. 

“That just couldn’t be possible,” she said, “I didn’t  . . .” he stopped her in mid sentence.  “It must have!” he said decisively, and pressed the bill in her palm.

 "So, are you like an angel or something?" she questioned.

"At this time of year,” Baruti said humbly, “Angels are real busy, so God sometimes uses ordinary people.”

It’s incredible to be a part of someone else's miracle.  And of course you guessed it, when Baruti got in his car, it started right up.  He’d take it to the garage tomorrow, but was sure his mechanic wouldn’t find anything wrong.   He caught the astonishment on her face in his rearview mirror as he drove away.  God’s perfect love paid forward.

Father, Bless my friends, relatives and email buddies reading this right now. Show them Your perfect love and awesome power.  Where there is pain, give them peace and mercy. Where there is self-doubt, bring fresh confidence and hope.  Let Your angels fly close enough that we can hear the flutter of their wings.  Amen.

Trial by Fire

“I asked the Lord for help and He saved me from all my fears.”  – Psalm 34:4

Shawna could only watch as it burned.  The acrid smell of fire, ash and smoke was unmistakable.  She prayed frantically as firefighters chopped away at the roof directly above where her children had once slept.

Her family was safe, all 5 of them.  Since Christmas, when the landlord had turned off their heat, they had been forced to huddle around a small space heater for warmth in one tiny bedroom.   Ironically – it was probably that little heater that had torched the place.

The firefighters had done all that they could – but her house was dry as tinder just waiting for a spark to ignite.  And it had!

Seeing the charred black frame with no walls was sickening.  Windows had blown out and the roof was mostly gone.  Only the front steps still sat where the door used to be.  Bits of clothing, furniture and other items were strewn around the lawn where firemen had thrown them out the windows.  She found one of her son’s basketball shoes among the ashes, as well as the head of her daughter’s favorite doll and a few other things – badly scorched.

Her stomach was churning.  Everything Shawna had ever owned, earned or bought was gone forever, including the small savings she had hidden under the rug.

With eyes wet with tears that the burly fireman mistook for grief, she murmured “I almost lost everything.” 

Almost!?  His mind shifted to thoughts of a pet who may have survived the inferno – or maybe the fact that they had all escaped the blaze. 

Shawna continued with conviction “I have the love of Jesus in my heart, and I’ll never lose that!”

His knees grew weak – not from the weight of his heavy turnout gear, but from the undeniable faith he had just witnessed.  It’s when you lose everything that true character is revealed.

“You have great faith,” he said. 

“Actually,” she corrected, I am a woman of little faith, but I have a great God!”    “You have to let go . . . and let God,” she said sincerely.

Shawna’s faith was the driving force she summoned to face life's challenges.  Her passion was so intense that in her mind, there was no room for compromise.  We stress about being popular, about grades and homework, about our future, forgetting that God is slowly teaching us to trust Him.  She cried not from the loss of possessions, but because she has a God who loves her totally.  It’s not up to God – it’s up to you to find that fire in your life.  Are you searching?

“Holiest Firefighter – We know that you adore us.  If you had a refrigerator, we’re sure that every one of our pictures would be on it.  Help us return the passion you have for us . . .  back to You.  Let the fire you placed in our hearts burn for You through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.”

Heaven Scent

“I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.   -- John 10:10

Daren held Mari’s trembling hand as they braced themselves for shocking news.

Only 18 weeks pregnant, Mari underwent emergency surgery to deliver the couple's new daughter, Maddie.   At 9 inches long and weighing a little over one pound, she faced a daunting future.

Numb with disbelief, they listened as the doctor described the frightening problems Maddie would likely face - if she survived.  Blindness was in her future, as was a host of mental and physical challenges.

"I don't think she's going to make it," the surgeon said, as kindly as she could. “I’m so sorry.”

This could not be happening.  They had long dreamed of the day they would have a daughter to complete a family of four.  Now, within a matter of hours, that dream was fading away.

As Maddie clung to life by the thinnest thread, Mari prayed.  With each prayer, she became more determined that by the grace of God, their tiny child would not only survive – but live to be a vibrant, happy young woman.  

As if willed to live by Mari’s unwavering determination, Maddie hung on with the aid of every medical device her frail body could endure.  Oh how they longed to hold their little baby – but because she was so premature, even the slightest touch was painful to her.

Slowly she gained weight and strength.  After two months, they were able to cradle Maddie in their arms for the first time.  What a glorious moment!

Three months later, she went home from the hospital, just as Mari had predicted.

Today, five years later, Maddie is a petite but feisty young girl with radiant green eyes and a passion for the outdoors.   A miracle perhaps, but that’s not where this story ends.

One afternoon in the garden and hugging herself across her chest, Maddie asked, "Do you smell that?"  Sensing a thunderstorm coming, Mari replied, "Sure I do, it smells like rain.  I think we're gonna get wet."

"No!” she exclaimed, “It smells like Him.  It smells like God when he holds you close to His heart!”

You see, during those difficult first months of her life when her body was too sensitive for human contact, God held on to Maddie - it was His loving scent that she remembered so well.

We may be lonely, but we are never alone.  When you trust Him, He will guide you on your faith journey.  He will hold you securely  – close enough to hear His voice; to feel his caress, to inhale His heavenly fragrance.  And if you are not as close to God as you used to be, who moved?

“Hold me tight dear Jesus, close enough that I can feel your warm embrace.  When the storms of life are raging, and doubt overwhelms me – remind me of Your love.  Hold my small hand in Yours and let the grace of Your tender scent bring me peace.  Amen.”

The Boy Down the Road

“This lent - live passionately, love completely, learn humbly and leave a bold legacy.” – Excerpt from Terry Shook’s book One Month to Live

In some ways, Meik was lucky!  Certainly not because he was dying, but because he was prepared.  He loved the Lord with all his heart and he knew he would live eternally.

The doctors had done all they could.  Meik’s faith provided comfort, especially during the darkest days.  He was going home soon, to a Father he had never met but who he had always known.  One month – that’s all he had left on earth.

Why was he was dying so young - 18 years was not a long life?  In some ways, his life was just beginning.  Take Tonya, the girl in the music store for example. 

He shopped there every day just to see her radiant smile.  Could it be true love?  He’d always buy one new CD - it didn’t matter which one!  She was kind to all the customers, but she always seemed particularly happy to see him.  Oddly, they never spoke.

If only he had a little more time maybe they could become great friends . . . and who knows?

Soon it happened, his life cut short by a terrible disease.  It came too quickly, but there were no regrets.  For Meik was at peace, he was prepared, he loved the Lord.

Tonya became worried when he stopped coming to her store.  She found out where Meik lived and went to his home.  It was his Mom who broke the sad news to her.  A sweeter boy she had never met – so humble, so faithful, so full of life. 

“May I see his room?” she asked.

“Of course,” his Mom said tenderly, “Take all the time you need.”

His room had the typical “boy” things: books, posters, athletic equipment.  But there were a few surprises – a hand worn bible, a carpet badly worn where he must have kneeled to pray.  And a large stack of new CDs from her store - still in the store’s bags.

She opened the one he bought just last week . . . and started to sob, uncontrolled now, deep painful tears.  Inside she found the unopened love letter she had written to him.  She wanted him to know that she loved him. 

Why had he not made the first move, why had he not asked her out?  Instantly she understood – he was deaf.  And her knees gave way to the ground.

Nothing focuses our priorities faster than learning we are about to die.  Most of us would realize that we had spent far too much time on things that didn’t really matter.  Unlike Meik, we would have regrets.  What if you only had one month to live – how would you live your life differently?

“Heavenly Father, none of us knows how much time we have left on earth.  Help me to live life completely ready – to love, to serve, to glorify You.  I want no regrets!  Thank You for what You are going to do through me.  Amen.”

The Old Carpenter's Tools

“We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him.  They are the ones God has chosen for his purpose,”  -- Romans 8:28

Three tools – a hand saw, a hammer, and a chisel hung proudly in the shopkeeper’s store.  Each dreamed of being used for an epic purpose – an ornate treasure chest filled with gold coins and precious gems perhaps.  Or maybe a colossal ship to carry kings and queens to all corners of the world.  Possibly they would help construct a majestic building – something ornate and timeless.

They prayed for all their wishes to come true – or even just for one of them.  But as time went on, their dreams dulled like their own finishes.  What an indignity! They were old now and mostly forgotten.  When craftsman visited the shop, they always chose more modern, fancier tools of finer materials. 

One day an elderly woodworker came in and bought all three.  When asked about the nature of his work, the old timer said he was building nothing special, just a small fishing boat.

They were heartbroken.  This would certainly be no luxury yacht to ferry nobility.  Their grandiose dreams were fading away now.

He took the tools home.  His shop, like him, was an antique.  So small, such clutter!  As he painstakingly cleaned and sharpened the tools, their dreams officially ended. 

They were, however, impressed by his skills.  He had immense patience and an ‘eye’ for the most minute details.  When finished, the boat was small but finely assembled with precise joinery and a sturdy frame.

From then on they would build small furniture pieces and forget about the fishing boat . . . and their dreams of notoriety.

Years later a group of men went fishing in that same small boat.  One of them was tired and went to sleep.  While they were out at sea, a huge storm arose - no match for the small craft. 

The men woke the sleeping man.  When He stood and declared “Peace!” the storm ended suddenly.  Not amazing really, for the small boat had carried important passengers  . . . and the King of Kings!

When things don't seem to go your way, remember that God has a plan for you.  All the tools got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined.  He has given each of us special gifts.  We don't always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are best.

“Holy Teacher, we are all “tools” in Your toolbox.  Each of us has a purpose, a skill, and a task to perform.  Teach us to better use the tools you gave us and to always use the right tool for the job. Help us grow in our faith through daily practice, because only “perfect practice makes perfect” - Amen

Glory on the Mountain

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD, “a future filled with hope - a future of success, not of suffering.”  -- Jeremiah 29:11

Claude loved to climb tall mountains for fun and to impress his friends.  He was confident; he felt he could handle any terrain despite the risks.

During one such adventure, he decided to climb the final leg solo, so he could get there first and claim all the glory.  While the rest of his party slept, he put on his climbing gear and headed for the top. 

Claude knew it was foolish to climb alone at night.  He did use a rope and had the advantage of a full moon, however.   His confidence soared as he neared the summit . . .  until the weather turned ugly – fast!  Visibility dropped rapidly as heavy fog engulfed him.  He was in trouble - but it was too late to turn back.  He continued his trek upward, hoping the storm would pass quickly.

Moving along a narrow path in total darkness, he missed a step and slid down the side of the ridge and over the edge of a cliff.  Luckily, he was still alive after the fall; although he found himself dangling in mid air, suspended by his rope, in complete blackness.  Fear gripped him as the cold night air chilled him to the bone. 

In desperation he cried out, “Dear God, please help me!”

Suddenly, a strong deep voice boomed out, “Cut the rope!” “Are you kidding me?” he doubted.  As Claude listened over the icy wind, he once again heard a deep voice say, “Cut the rope!”

 Could it be the God he had cried out for?  Could this be his final punishment for a lifetime of self absorption and foolish choices?  Could this be the end?

Deathly silence followed.  Claude considered his prospects.   He’d probably die anyway from exposure to the icy cold.  So after a short prayer and a deep breath, he cut the rope, and fell . . .

five feet, onto a rock ledge - a safe area where he quickly built a fire, using some of the surrounding scrub brush.  He survived that night.

What are the chances?  Actually 100%. If you really want to know the richness of God’s presence in your life, if you want to live in a way that matters for all eternity, then you must “cut the rope!’ and occasionally step into the great Unknown.  Faith requires us to believe what we can’t see; to lose control of our way and chose His path instead.

“Lord of Heaven and earth, help us to be sure about our faith despite our uncertainty. We know that there is a big difference between knowing what we should do . . . and actually having the courage to do it.  Teach us to trust you knowing that in doing so, You will cast away our fears and bring us new energy and joy.  Amen