Meeting people is beautiful. To hear stories, to discover other people's perspective and purpose through conversation lightens eyes to the vastness of God's heart in his creation.
Tonight I ran into an odd pair of men sitting at a bar in a coffee shop. Tables full, I sat down a few seats over , trying to respect their space. One man was possibly around 65 years age with a weather face and nicely dressed. The other was a man about 25. He was dressed sharp and simple, with incredibly straight posture with a bible and journal squared neatly in front of him. The old man started making small talk with me about my degree and such, but I could tell he clearly had an agenda. He asked my permission if I could become their "call" for the evening. I had not a clue as to what he meant, but I politely agreed and shut my work. The older man continued to tell great stories of his transformation from alcoholism to salvation, and then told incredible stories or miracles and victories in lives done by the holy spirit. The younger man sat quietly and listened and he spouted off tale after tale.
They then asked what my passions were, and my personal story. I told them a brief synopsis of where the Lord has brought my in the 19 years. When I was finished, the quiet man arose out of a very thoughtful posture and looked my straight in the eyes. With such wisdom and grace, he gently said, "Emily, don't give up. The Lord does not look at your past mistakes, but he simply asks us to give everything we have in the here-and-now. He gives us enough emotional strength over and over when we feel we have nothing left to give. Don't give up, don't let up. Be encouraged. The world needs more people like you. The Lord is good, Emily."
Truth from the mouth of a stranger. Exactly what I needed to hear. On many levels, I have given up. I am weak, I am tired, and battling defeat in failure left and right.
What areas of our lives have we labeled unfixable to the Lord? What areas of sin, hurt, and mistakes have we surrendered to the hold of the devil? God is bigger, God is more powerful. He gives us what we need. He heals. There is deep cleansing forgiveness and grace that purifies.
Grace is what I needed to hear. There is grace and forgiveness from our past.
The two strangers then laid their hands on me and prayed. I can't remember the last time someone had prayed over me.
Truth and grace from the mouth of a stranger. Truth and grace from the Healer.
