At this point, choir members were arguing, the congregation was mumbling and I was bewildered. “What’s wrong with our choir?” I wondered. Actually, the problem was not with the choir but with me.
The sign said: “Prayer Tree” and invited us to write our prayer requests for Christmas and hang the ornaments on the tree. Hundreds of people responded. What follows are a few of those prayers:
I thought to myself: “Why is he saying this to me? Should I respond? Should I tell this young man he’s making a mistake? Should I tell him there is another way to enjoy life? Should I talk about God in a crowded department store to a stranger? I really don’t want to be a witness right now Lord. I just want to make my purchase and go home. Is there anything wrong with that?”
One important part of the John Wesley story takes place while John was on the ship. There is an anonymous quote: “Without storms we seldom look for the light. Without storms we cannot grow.” John and Charles Wesley faced many storms. John thought his mission was to preach to the Indians in Georgia but that mission was a complete and utter failure.
One man in the community had COVID-19 and nearly died. While in the hospital, he made a vow to serve God and come to this same little church. A mother, searching for answers brings her family to that little church looking for a fresh start. They become a source of inspiration and motivation for others. “With God’s help…I think I can — I think I can — I think I can!”
Russell said: “I was putting my nose to the spud, working my nostrils to win the race. Just as I neared the finish line, a potato went flying past me. No mortal nose could send a spud flying with such velocity. It was obvious to me what happened. Larry Davies, our minister, our moral example, cheated. Instead of pushing with his nose, he picked up the potato and threw it toward the finish line.”
Occasionally, there are life-changing moments when God’s extraordinary light suddenly shines into our darkest need and the only word that adequately describes what happens next is — miracle.
On the side of the road, they came upon an old-fashioned, fire-engine red, hand water pump. The car screeched to a halt and they both ran to the pump. John grabbed the handle and began to furiously work it up and down… no water. “What’s wrong with this thing? Why won’t it work?”
“Why, What If, If Only” was developed by Grief Care Fellowship, people who lost loved ones and navigated through the maze of hurt and heartache caused by grief. Like many of us, they have experienced deep emotional pain. Their encouragement will enable others to find hope.
What great service would I accomplish today? Write a stimulating devotion that would inspire hundreds of lost souls? Teach a Bible study to a spiritually hungry group of disciples? A look at my schedule would reveal my first task for God. Surely there would be a special job befitting the role of spiritual leader. My first appointment? “Take the dog to be clipped and dipped.”