“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13, KJV)
We are still trying to finish the preparations for the ministry home. It is very difficult for me to work and get around without pain. My left side is stiff and uncomfortable. I can walk and move some, but I have to lie down regularly for relief to my right side.
I had to make a phone call to inquire about an item. The man with whom I spoke had helped my husband and me before. We inquired about the item that we were looking for. He guided us with the information that we needed.
He shared that the store was closing and he didn’t know what he was going to do. I told him that the Lord knew what plans were ahead of him and to trust Him. I said that, perhaps, God had something better.
He said, “That’s right.” I could tell that he was trying to be positive. But, he looked discouraged and needed hope.
As we talked, I sensed in my heart that he was ripe for the gospel. But I didn’t know what to say as we ended our conversation.
He stayed on my mind for a few days. I wondered if we would see him again and what would happen to him since the store was closing. I wanted him to know that Jesus loved him and that he could trust Him for his future. But, it was too late. I didn’t take the opportunity to share the gospel with him.
Even though I am limited in body, I have to get about God’s work in His strength.
We went to another store to inquire about the item. We talked to the salesman. The item that we were interested in was not available. Then my husband decided to go to the store that was closing to look at the sample item. I was walking in a lot of discomfort, but with God’s hand in mine, I made it step by step.
As we studied the item, the man with whom we were talking on the phone happened to walk into the department. My husband greeted him, and they began to have a conversation. They talked about the situation for him due to the closing of the store.
The man sat down and just looked straight ahead in thought. I said to him, “God knows what plans He has for you. He loves you. He died on the cross for you.”
His response was, “I was brought up Catholic.” He tightened his tie and said, “You know, good-ol’ boy.” I wasn’t too sure what to say. I just was not sure where to go with that. I was silent for a moment. I observed him just sitting there in thought. I looked at his eyes. He was humbling himself as his eyes waited for hope. My heart was touched by his willingness to listen.
I then said, “I understand. I too was brought up Catholic, but you must know that you need to invite Jesus into your life to be your personal Saviour.” He looked at me. I then said, “There’s a prayer you have to pray to ask Him.”
He said, “Okay.”
I asked him, “Are you ready?”
He said, “I’m ready!”
I was so surprised that—questioning if he really was—I asked, “You’re ready?”
He boldly remarked, “I am!”
I was in so much pain and discomfort. For a moment, I didn’t know what to say. I just started praying, and he prayed with me. We prayed together. My husband was standing by his side. He was sitting, and I was leading in prayer. He received Jesus as his Saviour. He asked Jesus to forgive him of his sins, thanked Him for His love for him, and gave his life to Him to use for His glory. The moment we finished praying, he rubbed his hands together and—with a breath of release—joyfully and confidently exclaimed, “Done!”
My husband and I said, “Yes, done! You are now saved. You know have the Spirit of God living within you.” My husband was smiling widely. The man was too.
We talked about his salvation in Christ, the Holy Spirit living in him, and his reading the Bible. The three of us walked together, knowing that God had done the work, and we were in thanksgiving and rejoicing.
“Abba, Father, we humbly seek You in Your Son’s name, as the God who draws man to Your Son, that they may believe in Him as the Saviour of their souls. How was it, Jesus, that You had me talk with this man on the phone, and then Your Spirit let me know that he was ripe for salvation! How was it that, by Your Spirit, You led us to the store and that this man was there! What a privilege to serve You, Lord, and watch souls leave the darkness and enter the Light—You, Messiah—are the lover of souls! Thank You, Jesus, for being my strength and help. Thank you for giving this man hope in You for the plans that You have for him. With You, Lord, it is never to late! You are about Your business of saving souls and nothing can stop Your Spirit from pursuing the ones that the Father has drawn to You that they may be saved!”