The Right Place At The Right Time

I received a phone call today from a man that worked for us years ago.  It was a relief when he thanked me for the interview I gave concerning the HISD school bond issue instead of being angry about it.  He appreciated that I was willing to stand up for what I believe in.  I told him that I appreciated his support and I was caught off guard when all of a sudden he began to cry. 

He said “I lost my boy, you know?  And I want to tell you something.”  When he finally got his composure back he said “When that happened all I could think about is what you told me after your grandson was in that accident.  You told me it only takes a blink of an eye for your entire world to change.  You were right, it does.  My life hasn’t been the same since.”  He said “I want to tell you how much your friendship means to me.  “Even though you were experiencing great pain yourself, you tried to help me through mine.  I just want to tell you how much your kindness has meant to me.” 

I can’t imagine that I could have that kind of effect on anyone, but it seems I have. God has a way of putting people in the right place at the right time.  Fast forward 2 ½ years to October 2010.  I gave a phone interview to a TV station because I was passionate about a certain issue.  This is the first time I have ever been interviewed for anything in my life.  The interview prompted a phone call from someone who needed to be reassured that everything would be alright. He is still in great pain from the loss of his son and he knew I would understand that pain.

I was kind of concerned that my interview might have ticked off a few of the wrong people.  Those concerns have been put to rest because of that precious phone call.  God comforted my friend through me and He comforted me through my friend.  God uses our words and actions to work in the lives of other people even when we are not aware of it.  Our words and actions will be remembered long after we have forgotten them.

Scripture

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.  He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.  2 Corinthians 3-4

Everyone has an image of what they think God might look like.  No one knows for sure because no one has ever laid eyes upon Him.  But there are many descriptions of God throughout bible.  Did you realize that He has a mouth, voice, ears, eyes and feet?  I did….. but I really never thought about it. 

But I was stuck when I read, for what seemed like the first time, Genesis 3:21.  It reads “God made them clothing” “them” being Adam & Eve.  He didn’t create it.  He didn’t speak it.  He didn’t breathe it….He made it.  Even after Adam and Eve ate of the apple, hid from God’s sight and then when confronted about their sin, blamed someone else, He still lovingly MADE them clothing.  The Lord God made clothing out of skins for Adam and his wife, and He clothed them.  Genesis 3:21  What an amazing picture of God!! Isn’t that just like a loving father (or mother)?  No matter what our children do we still love them, we may punish them but we don’t stop loving them. 

He is light and truth.  He is kind and merciful. He is our loving Father.  He is our Creator.  When we are sad, confused, unwell or in deep despair, God is near. He’s not this far off Spirit.  He meets us where we are and ministers to our spirit that we might feel the amazing peace and comfort of His love.  I know that He loves me despite my sinful ways and despite the many times I’ve disappointment Him.  I have felt the hand of God upon me, I have felt His presence and I have heard His voice.  He is real and He is God!!

scripture

Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."  Genesis 1:26

The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry for help.   Psalm 34:15

The heavens were made by the word of the Lord, and all the stars by the breath of His mouth.  Psalm 33:6

The heavens were made by the word of the Lord, and all the stars by the breath of His mouth.            

For He has put everything under His feet.  1 Corinthians 15:27a

Depending on God

About a month ago I dropped my phone for the last time.  It died and I went into a panic.  “What am I going to do without a phone?”  I use my phone all day long.  Phone calls, text messages, videos and email.  It’s like we are joined at the hip.  I immediately drove to Verizon and got a new one.  That was easy.

Then last Wednesday my computer crashed at work.  I panicked again.  I do everything on my computer; invoices, pay bills, purchase inventory, schedule delivery appointments, payroll etc….   It made for a very stressful time at work as I went back and forth from my office to another office to do my work.   I took my computer to my son, Chad, to repair but I had to leave it with him.  So that means I will be stressed out at work for the next week or so.  Not so easy.

It is amazing how much we depend on our computers and cell phones.  When we don’t have them we feel lost and frustrated.  That’s exactly what it feels like for someone who doesn’t know God.  For those of us who do know Him we know that He will be there even when we break or crash.  When the stress and frustrations of this life are attacking us from every angle we have God to pick up the pieces or repair the damages.   When we put all of our hope and faith in Him we can be assured that everything is going to be alright.  God will never leave us or forsake us.  He will never break or crash.  He is solid as a rock, closer than a brother and nothing can separate us from His love.  Share this truth with someone you love today.  It may be the last opportunity you have.

Scripture

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.  Proverbs 18:24

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."  Deuteronomy 31:8

Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The LORD knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the LORD must turn away from wickedness."  2 Timothy 2:19

Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:39

 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.  John 14:1

As I replaced the flowers at my grandson’s grave earlier this week I began to weep.   I thought about the life that was cut so short and the pain that lives on.  Memories flood my mind and thoughts of how he might have turned out overwhelm me.  Then I think about his family that was left behind to grieve.  His dad, mom, brother and sister and the pain they feel with each passing day.  I understand their pain because of my own pain…..my own suffering. 

But sometimes it’s easy to miss the pain of others when your pain is so overwhelming.  Sometimes when your pain is so deep you just don’t notice that you are not alone in your suffering.  The people around you are suffering too.  When you have a child, spouse, brother, sister, mom or dad that is addicted to drugs or alcohol, it doesn’t’ just affect the person addicted.  It affects the entire family.  When someone dies it affects the entire family.  When someone is sick it affects the entire family.  As much as we would like to believe that we can live our life as we please……we are wrong.  Every choice we make affects another person’s life, potentially for eternity.

Our lives are not our own, we were bought with a price.  The blood of Jesus Christ paid for our sin and allows us to have fellowship with the Father.  We should take advantage of that relationship each and every day with prayer and thanksgiving.  It is only when we come to the realization that in all circumstances, good and bad, God is in control.  He tells us constantly “do not be afraid”.    Even when tragic, horrible, scary, overwhelming circumstances arise He is there!  He comforts us and fills our mind, heart and spirit with His peace. 

I know it’s hard to be thankful when it seems like your life has come undone.  When it seems like all you have to live for is strife and hardship. But you have two choices: you can become bitter or you can become better.  And since God gave us free will the choice is completely up to us.

Scripture

The Lord is the One who will go before you.  He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you.  Do not be afraid or discouraged.  Deuteronomy 31:8

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 118:1