“And this is life eternal that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3, KJV)
Awhile back, we met a government-contracted builder with whom I had the opportunity to pray with for his salvation in Christ. Recently, we met again, and he was venturing into residential building.
My husband and I saw a five acre lot that the builder might be interested in. I told my husband that we should consider looking at it for him. So, he contacted the real estate agent to look at the property.
When we met with the agent, she and a man walked up to us, as we got out of our car. We introduced one another and then talked to them about the builder for whom we were looking at the property.
As we talked, I mentioned the Lord. She commented that she used to go to a church that happened to be the same one we used to attend as well, but after the pastor retired, the Lord led us to another church. She had gone to this other church too long ago and had forgotten about it. She said that she didn’t know where to go after the pastor at the first church was no longer preaching and that if there was any reason why we had met it was to get her back into church.
The man who was with her was also a real estate agent and a friend of hers. As we talked about God and the church, he just listened. He was of Hispanic descent and was a very kind man. She told us that he was the nicest man. And you could tell that he was. He had a very peaceful demeanor.
Suddenly, a dog slipped through the fence. We became on alert in case it came at any of us. She ran to her car to get some dog treats to distract it. It was a friendly dog. We were relieved. The man took the dog treats and led the dog back to the fence. Meanwhile, the three of us continued to talk about the property, God, and church. I asked her if her friend knew Jesus. She said, “Well, he’s been Catholic.” She then told us a little about her background. I listened as I watched the man’s sweet concern about the dog, as he kept giving him treats.
I walked away from the conversation and called out to the man by his name. “I would like to talk with you. Come here.” I walked toward him and he toward me. I said, “I don’t know anything about you, but I want you to know that in the lows of your life, God has been there. You know we all have them. And in the mids and highs of your life, God has been there. He has had you in mind. He has not once, in the lows, mids, or highs of your life, ever turned from you.” He looked at me very seriously and didn’t say a word, “I want you to know that He loves you. He doesn’t want you to live the rest of your life without knowing Him. He has a plan for your life, and you do not want to miss it. My question to you is, have you ever asked Jesus to be the Saviour of your soul and Lord of your life?”
The dog was now begging for more treats. He gave him what was left in the treat bag and then focused again on our conversation. “No, actually, really, I have not.”
I then told him, “Well, I am going to help you do that right now so that you know Him and let Him take over your life and know that you will be in heaven with Him. Let’s pray now. You pray with me.” He didn’t hesitate a second. We began to pray, and he received Jesus as his Saviour, met Him at the cross to confess his sins, and gave his life to Him.
He sweetly thanked me and then hugged me. We then walked over to my husband and the woman. I said, “Meet your new brother in Christ.”
The woman was in awe. “You have always been asking questions about this. This is awesome!” She hugged him.
My husband shook hands with him, welcomed him into the family of God, and told him, “No greater decision to be made.” He smiled, as the man shed tears.
The four of us took photos of one another. We were all so joyful! They both hugged us and thanked us. And we all agreed that the main reason for us meeting was for her to return to the fellowship of believers in church and for her friend’s salvation.
“Abba, Father, had we not met with the builder and known his interest, we would have never looked into that property. It was not the property that you sent us to, but to two souls who needed You. Jesus, how is it that You pursue a soul and then send me out for it for You? How is it that that the Holy Spirit puts a thought in my heart to go somewhere and all along it is for a soul? I never know until the soul is saved of what Your plan is—souls for eternity is always Your plan. May I always be in it for Your glory!”