“Simple Prayers…”
So there I was all by my lonesome, not bothering anyone at this local bar in downtown Viet Nam. Outside of the constant techno base and the lights of a raging bull sign near me, I’m not sure what drew me there other than the free pool table that had been calling my name all day.
I am a sucker for a game of pool and although I don’t enjoy the smoke that comes with most bars containing pool tables…I was unprepared for the fire that God would use to unite two Men of God.
Earlier in the day I had been asking for God to bring someone that I could minister to. Someone to talk with about His goodness. Someone to tell about His love . Someone that would be open to hear His word and rest in His truth. I wanted someone who needed to know that they are not forgotten and that God loves them.
It’s been said that the teacher is always silent during the exam. I wanted this person to know that although they may be going through a desert experience, God was going to use them and care for them through this time of thirst and uncertainty in preparation for “greater things”.
So there I was when a tall and handsome young man by the name of Joe walked up and started speaking to me. “Do you know who has the next game on the pool table?” He said. And I say.. ” I don’t think anyone does.” With a shock he responds, “Oh, you speak good english..where you from?” And I respond The States, and you…he says “Michigan.” And before you know it 3 hours later God’s plan was placed in action…
God has chosen to reveal Himself to me through this young man in a way that tells me a few things..
1.) He loves me enough to faithfully provide for me, even in the little things
2.) He loves me and believes in me, often more than I love and believe in myself.
3.) He loves me enough to challenge me and bring me to a bar to play a game of pool only realize that me being there had nothing to do with the game, but rather a divine appointment between 2 men who desperately seek to know Him more.
This testimony is meant to encourage anyone and everyone out there who could use a word from God about their life. God is faithful and I can’t tell you how many times He’s not only provided for my every need not just this year, but throughout my entire life. And Joe isn’t the only one God used in my life to show me His love. He’s just a good example of what’s possible when you trust in God and ask for someone to pray with – He provides.
Even in Viet Nam, God can send someone your way …
That is why I can stand on firm soil of His Word and ask for the desires of my heart knowing that His will is to provide for me and show me His love as the motives of my heart reveal the true nature of His son loving and living inside of me.
I want to know Him more and I trust Him with my life.
I pray that we all can learn a lesson from being bold and asking God sized prayers and experiencing life with people like Joe who are willing to not just listen to the voice of God, but be obedient to the call on his life and share His faith.
(Joe and I after a lunch full of prophecy, worship and prayer…)
Thank you Joe for being an angel in my life and showing me what a real “Man of God” looks like.
You’ve encouraged me in my walk with God. Taught me about the sanctity of marriage and and the importance of abiding in Him. And your wisdom on parenting and covenant relationships is life shaping. Please continue to let God use you.
As you transition from this season of life to the next, I pray that you move with “ruthless trust” and love Him knowing that in the places of uncertainty He’s loving you all the more.
Men of God like you who are fathers’ to their kids, husbands to their wives and warrior for the kingdom give hope for men like myself.
Thank you for breathing life into me and loving me beyond what I thought would be in store at a bar during a simple game of pool…
In Him, I remain…
Please continue to support the cause of Christ in me through this link ( click here )
Trip
