God is all-powerful, right? He’s omnipotent and almighty and can do anything He wants to. But I think sometimes He wants us to be earthly vessels for heavenly things. Let me explain.
I just got back from debrief at the beach. It was a wonderful time to relax and spend time with our life coaches who help us learn and grow in our walks. I learned some really cool things, but the most inspirational and life-changing thing I learned was through watching my friend Josh. While everyone was playing in the waves, swimming in the pool, or hanging out with friends, my squad mate Josh sat down next to a man who claimed he had everything.
This man grew up in Guatemala, but moved to the States to change his fortune. As Josh talked to him, the man explained his perfect life. He said, “I have money, I have friends, and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.” As the conversation continued the man stopped buying his friends beers, and they started to leave the table. When the group conversation became a one-on-one, the man began to notice a difference between his normal crowd and this American stranger. My squad mate, Josh, is the epitome of a silent leader. He’s the same age as me and looks half Boy Scout because of his innocent-looking face, and half marine because of his stoic build and solemnity. The man realized he felt safe talking to Josh for some reason (as he told him later) and began to open up.
Now, there were a few beers involved. But the man became emotional when he said, “I have money, and I have friends. But my friends only stay around when I buy them things, and I feel empty.” This was Josh’s perfect opportunity to transition into sharing the hope he has found in God. I witnessed probably the last 30 or 40 minutes of this conversation. I saw the man close to tears and a couple minutes later I looked back over to see Josh’s hand on the man’s shoulder, praying.
Josh’s eyes were closed and at first so were the man’s. But as I watched, he glanced up quickly to stare at Josh’s ardent face as he spoke life over him. He looked at Josh in wonder for a second, most likely trying to understand whom this crazy human was. If we’re being honest, I was looking at the scene in wonder as well. At debrief, when we were supposed to be relaxing and taking a couple days off ministry, here was a perfect example of living as broken bread and poured out wine. How cool is that?
The man told Josh that he felt “good” talking to him. He couldn’t explain it, but he felt comfortable, like he never felt comfortable with his friends. But this is the explanation: Josh was simply showing the man God. Josh showed the man genuine care for his soul, and he showed the man perseverance, love and concern.
Although we as humans are so broken, God used my squad mate in that moment to be a vessel for His character, a display of His infinite love. Think of other examples. My ladies (and maybe a few gentlemen) who have read Redeeming Love, would Angel had ever known God if Michael Hosea hadn’t first shown her God’s perseverance and love? What about in your own life? Would you know God if someone hadn’t first shown you His character?
For people who aren’t accustomed to being shown love, it’s extremely hard for them to understand that someone they don’t even know can adore them. This is especially true in cases where a person’s earthly father has mistreated or not loved them. We have to be a people who bridge the gap. With God’s strength inside us, we can be vessels that have the opportunity to show God’s character.
A woman who mentored us for a while described our lives as being, “a privileged responsibility for sharing God.” I believe that although we are extremely privileged, we are also held to a responsibility. It’s not easy being broken bread and poured out wine all the time. But knowing that just by walking around and starting simple conversations with people, we can change their eternal destination? That’s worth it.
I pray we can be so in love with who God is that we’ll share a raging passion for His children. I pray we will strive to know Him better so that we understand how to bridge the gap for others. I pray we will fight to always be broken vessels for a perfect Savior.
I love you guys, and I pray that together we can learn to love our Father more. Make it a great week!
