LET’S GIVE A HAND…
For the most part, everybody needs introduced to reality. Yes, yes, I know your world is real. As real as mine is to me. As real as hers is to her and his to him. But there’s no such thing as a singular reality. THE reality of life includes us all.
I have been shown a measure of grace not known to many: namely, emerging from the waters of baptism over 100 times – two of those for my own benefit.
Every now and then I get an email, a phone call, a text (whatever), from someone who says something like, “Thank you for bringing me to Christ”. Now, because it’s not an invite to theological dialogue, but rather an expression of gratitude, I simply respond by saying something like, “You’re very welcome. I’m glad I was there”.
If it was a theological dialogue I would answer quite differently. The answer would go something like this…
“You’re very welcome. I’m glad I was there at the end of that procession, and the beginning of a new one. One that, by God’s good grace, will lead you HOME”.
I have loved being the one God has strangely and graciously (beyond grace) used in such circumstances. There is NOTHING in this life I enjoy more than sitting on a sofa, one on one with someone, and talking about God.
I’ve had the immense privilege, thanks to friends like Rick Atchley, Jim McGuiggan, Jack Martin, Randy Wells, Bill Paxton, Roger De Loach and so many others others, of speaking before thousands of people at one time, and enjoyed equaled privilege addressing little congregations here and there. Still, nothing compares to the intimacy of one on one. Especially when that relationship blossoms into their reach for Christ.
However, as far as “bringing someone to Christ”? Ha! If only.
I remember one time, in Glasgow, talking with a Catholic girl who decided she wanted to act upon her faith and convert; to give her life to Christ. She was actually quite annoyed at the catholic faith and their misrepresentation of the scriptures.
I’ve had similar discussions with people from the many different churches over the years. And, I’ve had similar experiences with a few alcoholics (my dad included), who, upon conversion, became quite angry at what alcohol had stolen from them. In my dad’s case, his wife, his family, his home, his business and the greater part of his dignity.
I’ve always have the same response. And it goes something like this; “Look! Your hand is now in the hand of the One who controls the very globe you’re standing on. Don’t despise the road that brought you, as despicable as it may well be”. (And some of the roads have been terrifying just to LISTEN to)
Inevitably, they thank me. This is where I’m typically keen to remind them that I’m simply the last in their pre-͏life procession, and first in their post-͏life experience. Before me came a whole HOST of people who led them to where they now stand. Good parents, a kind teacher, loving siblings, a genuine friend, a good neighbor, even the odd pet; ALL of whom played their part in bringing them along the road. “You were an iced cake when I met you. And I’m glad I met you, but I only brought the cherry”.
Life is a thousand little hands. There’s no blinding miracles around each corner, and if we’re waiting for one, chances are we’re going to be deeply disappointed. Even scriptures miracles only appear very occasionally, and typically for special and isolated incidents.
A far greater truth is that we’re surrounded by thousands of little non-miracles, the sum total of which is far, far greater than their parts.
I’m far from the wise old owl that I so admire in others. But I have lived. And I’ve been somewhat observant in life. My testimony is, that as our prayers of desperation, of loneliness, of heartache, of weakness reach the ears of God, His response is typically the same. BECAUSE He loves us, His work among us INVOLVES us. That is, He sends US to us. Unremarkably remarkable.
A flash of blinding light, a crumbling “Jericho” wall, a parting of the impassable, although well within the arsenal of His powers, are NOT typical. A hand, is usually His answer. HIS hand. But it always looks remarkably human.
As I look at my own path, it appears miraculously coincidental, that “they” always seemed to appear at just the right time. A kind or encouraging word, a meal, a friend, a rebuke, a challenge, a “pull yourself together”, an embrace… and one time, even a smack on the mouth (don’t worry. I deserved it).
So what does tomorrow bring? Well, if you’re lucky, “they” may show up, if you need them. If your blessed by grace upon grace, you may receive the call to BE “they” for some wandering pilgrim in need of a word, a meal, a shelter, a ride, a….
That God would have such faith in us, to use us in the caring and saving of others is staggering. We need simply be ready and willing to help. Those in need of you are ALL around you.
A thousand non-spectacular hands.
God’s TYPICAL non-miraculous miracles.
You may never witness a miracle; but that should never prevent you from being one.
Billy Wilson
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