Today was a bit of a mind-warp…
Here I was, driving to meet someone I could now see, to drop off some drugs.
On the passenger seat next to me was some marijuana… Only now it hit me: this used to be common: I would drive to meet someone or a group of people to drop off some drugs.
They treated me well, shouted me cones & gave me money – I *loved* it. I felt important, like I fit in: this culture was a huge part of the reason I got so hooked.
But today was different…very different.
It wasn’t a group of people partying: and I wasn’t breaking the law, nor was I here to make money.
This man, in severe chronic pain, was waiting for medical marijuana. He could have gotten better, cheaper (illegal) drugs, but was opting to stay legal. He was currently working hard at getting his life back on track, trying to do the right by his family, despite the constant difficulties.
I had only met him once before, (read about that here) briefly sharing about my own journey with physical and emotional pain and how Jesus had helped me, set me free and helps me cope on a daily / hourly basis. I prayed with him and he sensed a genuine presence of God.
Today, my main goal was to allow God to work on this man. Despite my plans, deadlines and pain, I had driven to meet him but had no idea how this encounter would play out. I actually thought it would be a non-event.
I spent about an hour with this man on the side of the road sharing with him, talking like long lost friends and telling Him about Jesus. The conversations were amazing – our common ground incredible, but something even more powerful: the prayer.
After a while, I asked if he would be open to me praying for him again. This time he was quite enthusiastic…
I got out of the car and shook his hand, putting my hand on his shoulder as I did. This may have looked a little like I was going to hug him, he grabbed me and held on tight.
We embraced in this hug for what seemed like ages… I prayed a deep, theological, heart felt prayer. I dragged it out as I sensed that this hug was needed.
Despite the long prayer, he kept holding on long after I said ‘amen’. I could sense God’s presence and the hunger of this man despite my own un-comfortability.
Despite all my failings and failures, despite my busy life and broken deadlines, despite the pain & sickness, God can use us all. He promises to. But there is a catch:
It’s not about being well trained. It’s not about being intellectual or clever. It’s not about being whole or healed.
It’s about willingness to be obedient to the Master. Don’t switch off or try to weasel away. Has He saved you? Is He your Lord & Saviour? Or only in title?
If you are His: follow Him, serve Him.
It’s not rocket science:
Spend time with Him, do what he tells you to do:
Love your wife & lay down your life for her
Love & intentionally train your children in His ways.
Disciple others in His way
Treat these things as more important than your income, house, car, business, holidays, fun or ANYTHING!
Seek first the Kingdom!
Lord, please help us to live for You. We fail, we flounder, we fall – we need You. Help us to say yes to the people you put in our path. And help us stay focussed on sharing with them what actually helps: Your love, Your truth, Your Gospel.