“But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble.” (Psalm 37:39 KJV)
The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
We found that the house we are in needs some work. A couple of years ago, we met a builder and homeowner who was interested in leasing a house to us. I had the opportunity to pray with him, and he gave his life to Jesus. We contacted him, and he invited us to his business office. We had no idea that this man was a very successful builder of government and large business buildings throughout the DC area.
His hospitality in this business was very welcoming. As my husband and I were talking with him, a man came in from another office. I wondered what country he was from. He was dark-skinned and looked very foreign, as well as appearing spiritually dark and troubled. The builder introduced us. The man was very cordial. We learned later, that he was a very well-known architect.
The four of us had an interesting conversation about their building endeavors and what we needed in the house we live in. Here were two very successful builders, and all we needed was a small job done. I didn’t know what to say. But that is how humble the builder is. He loves helping others with even the smallest need.
The only thing on my mind was how I could start a conversation with the architect about Jesus. But I didn’t want to go into a conversation about the Lord with the builder there, because the architect might not feel comfortable to talk about this with the builder present.
While we were conversing, the builder received a phone call and excused himself. Now we were alone with architect. God had made a way.
“Where are you from?”
“Bosnia.”
“What do you know about God from your country?”
He pulled out his wallet, then a rosary that was tucked inside it. “This was given to me by the Pope.”
“I am going to tell you about God. This may not be easy for you to believe, but it is the truth. God has a Son. His name is Jesus. He died on the cross for your sins and ours. He loves you. You don’t need religion. You just need Him. You need a personal relationship with His Son. But you will have to ask Him to be your God. If you like, I can pray with you now.”
“You have no idea what you are saying to me. I have chills all over me. I am going to cry.”
“Would you like for me to pray with you?’’
“Yes.”
My husband, the man, and I bowed our hearts and heads, as I prayed with him to believe in Jesus as his personal Saviour. He cried and thanked me with deepest humility. As soon as we were finished, the builder walked in.
“Your architect has just believed in Jesus and has given his life to Him.”
The architect looked at him. “She has changed my life. I am going to cry again.”
“If anyone can do this, I know you can, Claudia—especially considering where the architect came from and what he has suffered.” I know that it the Holy Spirit who reveals the Son of God to the heart of man.
The four of us were silent, as the architect cried again.
“Abba Father, who would have thought that from a salvation of two years ago there would be another. Now the builder and the architect are saved! Jesus, what a darkness this new soul came out of. In You he has found rest from his troubles. Holy Spirit, thank You for the courage to speak to this man. Lord, I am amazed how it was that two years after one soul came, another did. You, Jesus, are the Soul Saviour!”