Dear Ross,
I haven’t seen you in a while. But I remember the first time we met like it was yesterday. I saw you standing outside Los amigos in a touristy Hawaiian collared shirt. I was immediately drawn to you and curious where you were from. Not surprised at all that you said California originally, because most of the gringos I talked to had come from there. It’s not out of the ordinary for me to talk to complete strangers. I am so drawn to people of different places. I want to know their passions, what makes them excited about life, and what drives them. You were no different.
When I asked you if you believed in Jesus I was taken back by your response. You told me “NO, I kind of follow my own thing”. I guess I expect everyone to believe in him, and I expected the same from you. Curious about your religious beliefs and what you meant I stood waiting in anticipation for you to answer. I want to thank you for being so openly honest with us. I’ve met lots of people addicted to alcohol who attended AA, but never have I met someone so open about their story. When you shared about addiction from a young age I was taken back in amazement. You seemed so put together. I mean you are a well-educated Med school student with a bright future ahead. All I could do while you spoke was give praises to God. What a testimony. Look where he has brought you from. I doubt you accredit him for what he’s done, but I want you to know the only reason you are where you are today is because you are loved by a sovereign, compassionate, God. One who cares so much about you, who is so madly in love with you that he sent his only son to be nailed on a cross in your place. He knows every hair on your head, and knows every detail of your life. He was with you then at your worst, and he is with you now. It made me smile when you said “I don’t know WHAT got me here, but it was something…” You called it a higher power but I call it a heavenly father.
Ross I don’t know if you realize it but Jesus came to earth for people just like you. People who were lost, wandering, searching aimlessly for more. He hung out with lepers, adulterers, murderers, and sinners. The worst of the worst. And he loved them just where they were. There has been a void in you that you’ve tried to fill, yet only he can fill. If you let him he will. Jeremiah 29:11 says for I know the plans I have for you says the lord, plans to prosper you and give you a hope and a future not plans to harm you. People like you who have been through such tragic pain have the best stories of redemption. Like a rags to riches story. Except God gets the glory. Ross, you carry such Influence. People are drawn to you, your smile is infectious, you’re full of life and adventure, and you have such a charismatic personality. God would do incredible things in you and through you if you would allow him. You are going to come into contact with so many people as a doctor. You can change the game. You don’t have to be like MOST doctors, self-absorbed, and egotistical jerks who care about themselves and show up for a paycheck. You have the opportunity to CHANGE LIVES. Not only physically but spiritually and emotionally. You can look into people eyes and see pain, pray for them, and get to know them. You have the choice to ACTUALLY care about them. The world would be a better place with doctors like that. People who care for people. Like Jesus did. Like he does for you, and he does for me.
I want to challenge you. Think about all the times in the past when you were scared, at a loss, unstable, doubtful…What happened? I can bet your needs were always met, something miraculously would happen and things would be taken care of. Financially, maybe in a job, or relationally? God has been there for you even when you didn’t want him, or acknowledge him. He says in scripture I promise I will never leave nor forsake you. I challenge you really dig deep, and ask yourself what would it hurt to believe in something more than yourself. Trust in a God who loves you and has great plans for your life. He specifically knitted you together in your mother’s womb, he knew you before the foundation of the earth, and he died to know you. He wants a relationship with you. Let him fill voids you’ll never be able to fill. You have been on my heart since we met for whatever reason. I told you when we parted ways it was a pleasure meeting you, you mentioned how crazy it was what we were doing and how we met. I said it then and I’ll say it again, It was NO coincidence my friend. God knew we needed to meet, even if it was for me to tell you how much he loves you. And he does so very much. I pray you change lives, and he changes yours. In Matthew 7 it says ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks receives, those who seek will find; and to the one who knocks the door will be opened. He says over and over in scripture if you ask in HIS name and if it is in accordance with HIS will then he will give you the desires of your heart. I pray that you will seek him, find him, and allow him to open doors for you; that you never dreamed possible. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers dear friend. Take care and God bless.
Your friend and sister in Christ,
Stephanie
