I was in the airport wating to board my flight, about to begin the 6th chapter of this book, and excited about how God would use me. I was noticing a woman who reminded me of someone I knew--God often nudges me this way. Sure enough I ended up right next to her on the plane. While the other passengers were boarding, she made an angry comment about how slow they were. I wasn't sure who God wanted me to touch. After we took off I got the book out again. I noticed that this woman was practically leaning on my shoulder to see what the book was about.
"You were born to partner with the Spirit," it said.
She said, "Are you a Christian?"
"Yes, are you?" I asked.
"Yes," she said, and asked me about the book. I told her that basically we are all to be paying attention to who God wants us to help. She started to tell me about her job---that it was less and less fulfilling, and she didn't think it was what God wanted her to do anymore, but that she was stuck--because she was too "old" to change anything. She was in her 40s.
I thought of how God sends specific people, and said, "I am a Dream Coach. I help people with the big dream that God has put in their hearts." I attended a Dream Giver Coach seminar with Bruce Wilkinson several years ago in Georgia. So I asked her some coaching questions, and reminded her that Joshua at age 85 asked God to give him a mountain to conquer--that we're never too old to pursue God's dream for us.
At the end of the conversation, she had committed to going back to school and to go for her dream job. We praised God together for His opening of this door for her.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
A Saved Marriage
From Julie
While reading "You Were Born For This," which was given to me by a customer who did not know I had already read and was putting to use "The Prayer of Jabez", (which by the way was also given to me by another Chrisitiam customer who cared) and experiencing God expanding my territory and all those in prayer for.... here's my story.
A customer had come into my business on the wrong date of her scheduled appointment, very angrily she left and came back the next day just as angry. The receptionist informed me of the situation the day before. She was scheduled on my appointment book and I knew something else was bothering her than the fact that she showed up a day early.
As we talked through her consultation for her hair, she openly told me she was going through a divorce. I asked her if she liked to read and how God had saved my marriage by a message that another author had written "The Power of a Praying Wife" and the "The Power of a Praying Husband". I said God wants to change You and she burst into tears as we both did and from there it was all about hope and how God could save her marriage. She also mentioned that her last text message from her husband was the fact that he still loved her while she was sitting in my chair.
I said, "You see there's still hope--don't give up!"
When she left she was filled with hope and joy and looked relieved that she needed what God had brought me to share with her. She also mentioned that she barely had enough money to get her hair cut on a regular basis and it always made her feel good to look good. However by the time she left she was already making plans to let me do something different with her color and bought products the same day.
Wow, how God's word can turn someone around if we just take the time to hear his call and act upon it!!!! Thank you Lord from bringing me Bruce Wilkinson's message to bring to others. You have definitley put me in the right place to reach so many who are lost.
While reading "You Were Born For This," which was given to me by a customer who did not know I had already read and was putting to use "The Prayer of Jabez", (which by the way was also given to me by another Chrisitiam customer who cared) and experiencing God expanding my territory and all those in prayer for.... here's my story.
A customer had come into my business on the wrong date of her scheduled appointment, very angrily she left and came back the next day just as angry. The receptionist informed me of the situation the day before. She was scheduled on my appointment book and I knew something else was bothering her than the fact that she showed up a day early.
As we talked through her consultation for her hair, she openly told me she was going through a divorce. I asked her if she liked to read and how God had saved my marriage by a message that another author had written "The Power of a Praying Wife" and the "The Power of a Praying Husband". I said God wants to change You and she burst into tears as we both did and from there it was all about hope and how God could save her marriage. She also mentioned that her last text message from her husband was the fact that he still loved her while she was sitting in my chair.
I said, "You see there's still hope--don't give up!"
When she left she was filled with hope and joy and looked relieved that she needed what God had brought me to share with her. She also mentioned that she barely had enough money to get her hair cut on a regular basis and it always made her feel good to look good. However by the time she left she was already making plans to let me do something different with her color and bought products the same day.
Wow, how God's word can turn someone around if we just take the time to hear his call and act upon it!!!! Thank you Lord from bringing me Bruce Wilkinson's message to bring to others. You have definitley put me in the right place to reach so many who are lost.
Partnering with God at the airport
from David
I visited my kids and grandkids over the Christmas holidays. (I am 71 years young). I have known the Lord for 51 years, and I have lead many to the Lord, as well as leading many small groups, and teaching in a Christian high school and in a seminary; ten years each. But what I experienced on my trip home was new to me. Before leaving South Carolina I bought "You Were Born For This" in the airport.
On my way to Houston to change planes I was reading the book. Not having read very far I told the Lord that I was going to put myself at His disposal to use me to bring a miracle to someone before I get home. I remembered that I am not to look for the target, but am to wait for the Lord to point him/her out.
A large, well dressed and groomed man was right beside me. I was tempted, but I waited. Then he spoke to me, "That looks like a good book." I said that it was and he asked what it was about. I told him what little I knew so far. "It is about God wanting all His believers to bless at least one person every day by bringing something good into thier lives."
The idea of God wanting to bring good into someone's life really struck him; Keith is his name. I asked if he knew the Lord Jesus, and his answer was that he grew up in the church. I asked pointed questions and learned that he believes the Bible to be true from cover to cover. I asked if he had ever made a personal commitment to Jesus, asking Him to be his Lord and Savior, explaining the difference between knowledge of and knowing and knowing Him personally. He said, "no, I haven't," and then asked the girl sitting on his other side, "What are you doing?" She was a 24 year old lady and answered, "I am making a list of things I need to do to prepare for my wedding."
Keith was very interested, as he had already told me that he was 44 yrs old and wondered if there was something wrong with him because he was still single. I listened and then did something I never do, inserted myself into the conversation. As she was going through the list I leaned over and asked, "How about pre-marital counseling?"
"Oh, the priest is going to do that in April." (the wedding being scheduled in July).
She then asked, "What is that for?"
I went through a short list like discussing who will handle the finances, how many children you want to have, etc. Then I mentioned thhat they should decide ahead what religion and denomination they will raise the children in. She was listening intently and stated that she had never thought of these things. She had been listening when I shared the Gospel with Keith, but I hadn't the opportunity to repeat it to her.
As we were getting ready to land in Houston Keith said, "I know God put this all together. He put us together for this trip, because I needed to hear all that you have told me. I know He put us together."
I was overwhelmed and was praising the Lord, fairly quietly outwardly, but jumping for joy within.
But the story goes on. I changed planes in Houston and nothing out of the ordinary occurred. Landing in Ontario, California, my brother was supposed to pick me up. He wasn't there. Mine was the last flight of the day and it was nearing midnight. All other passengers were gone. The policeman who controls parking in the loading zones was gone, all the taxis were gone with one exception, and I asked him what he was doing. He answered that he could not leave me there alone. He asked where I was going and I answered, "Apple Valley." He responded that he lived out there, a significant distance from where we were. A coincidence? I realized the Lord was setting up another encounter.
I asked what it would cost and he figured $85. He saw my involuntary reaction and said it would be a lot more if he put it on the meter. I had $87 in my wallet and I rarely have that much with me. My brother still failed to show and, fearing he could have had an accident, as he is very reliable, I accepted the ride. Starting off with small talk I caught a few words that indicated he might know the Lord, so I asked him outright.
"YES!" he said with great excitement; reaching down and grabbing his Bible, he said that he reads it every day.
We shared some stories and he then became very quiet. "I am going to open up to you," he said. "I came to the Lord fifteen years ago and felt He called me to be a pastor. I started preparing while I tried to support my wife and kids. It was very hard and preparing for the pastorate fell by the wayside. I am now feeling guilty about not doing what God wanted me to do."
I told him to think about it and ask himself if he really thinks God called him to be a pastor, if no the problem is over, and if yes we will go from there.
He was quiet awhile, then a definite, "Yes." So I asked him if God told him when. Quiet. Then a definite, "No."
"So, you haven't missed it yet," I said.
He brightened up. I told him to start preparing so he will be ready when God says it is time. He said he signed up for a 2 year Bible course about two weeks ago, but hadn't done anything with it yet. I told him to do the course so he will be prepared when God says, "Now!"
He said he would, with much enthusiasm. I could hardly believe what followed. As he dropped me off at my brother's house he read the same script Keith had read. He said he was convinced the Lord had put all this together because he needed to hear everything I had said to him that night. It wasn't until a few days later I read about carrying God's money for Him, but I know that $85 was in my pocket for him, as he had stated he was struggling to properly support his family.
I visited my kids and grandkids over the Christmas holidays. (I am 71 years young). I have known the Lord for 51 years, and I have lead many to the Lord, as well as leading many small groups, and teaching in a Christian high school and in a seminary; ten years each. But what I experienced on my trip home was new to me. Before leaving South Carolina I bought "You Were Born For This" in the airport.
On my way to Houston to change planes I was reading the book. Not having read very far I told the Lord that I was going to put myself at His disposal to use me to bring a miracle to someone before I get home. I remembered that I am not to look for the target, but am to wait for the Lord to point him/her out.
A large, well dressed and groomed man was right beside me. I was tempted, but I waited. Then he spoke to me, "That looks like a good book." I said that it was and he asked what it was about. I told him what little I knew so far. "It is about God wanting all His believers to bless at least one person every day by bringing something good into thier lives."
The idea of God wanting to bring good into someone's life really struck him; Keith is his name. I asked if he knew the Lord Jesus, and his answer was that he grew up in the church. I asked pointed questions and learned that he believes the Bible to be true from cover to cover. I asked if he had ever made a personal commitment to Jesus, asking Him to be his Lord and Savior, explaining the difference between knowledge of and knowing and knowing Him personally. He said, "no, I haven't," and then asked the girl sitting on his other side, "What are you doing?" She was a 24 year old lady and answered, "I am making a list of things I need to do to prepare for my wedding."
Keith was very interested, as he had already told me that he was 44 yrs old and wondered if there was something wrong with him because he was still single. I listened and then did something I never do, inserted myself into the conversation. As she was going through the list I leaned over and asked, "How about pre-marital counseling?"
"Oh, the priest is going to do that in April." (the wedding being scheduled in July).
She then asked, "What is that for?"
I went through a short list like discussing who will handle the finances, how many children you want to have, etc. Then I mentioned thhat they should decide ahead what religion and denomination they will raise the children in. She was listening intently and stated that she had never thought of these things. She had been listening when I shared the Gospel with Keith, but I hadn't the opportunity to repeat it to her.
As we were getting ready to land in Houston Keith said, "I know God put this all together. He put us together for this trip, because I needed to hear all that you have told me. I know He put us together."
I was overwhelmed and was praising the Lord, fairly quietly outwardly, but jumping for joy within.
But the story goes on. I changed planes in Houston and nothing out of the ordinary occurred. Landing in Ontario, California, my brother was supposed to pick me up. He wasn't there. Mine was the last flight of the day and it was nearing midnight. All other passengers were gone. The policeman who controls parking in the loading zones was gone, all the taxis were gone with one exception, and I asked him what he was doing. He answered that he could not leave me there alone. He asked where I was going and I answered, "Apple Valley." He responded that he lived out there, a significant distance from where we were. A coincidence? I realized the Lord was setting up another encounter.
I asked what it would cost and he figured $85. He saw my involuntary reaction and said it would be a lot more if he put it on the meter. I had $87 in my wallet and I rarely have that much with me. My brother still failed to show and, fearing he could have had an accident, as he is very reliable, I accepted the ride. Starting off with small talk I caught a few words that indicated he might know the Lord, so I asked him outright.
"YES!" he said with great excitement; reaching down and grabbing his Bible, he said that he reads it every day.
We shared some stories and he then became very quiet. "I am going to open up to you," he said. "I came to the Lord fifteen years ago and felt He called me to be a pastor. I started preparing while I tried to support my wife and kids. It was very hard and preparing for the pastorate fell by the wayside. I am now feeling guilty about not doing what God wanted me to do."
I told him to think about it and ask himself if he really thinks God called him to be a pastor, if no the problem is over, and if yes we will go from there.
He was quiet awhile, then a definite, "Yes." So I asked him if God told him when. Quiet. Then a definite, "No."
"So, you haven't missed it yet," I said.
He brightened up. I told him to start preparing so he will be ready when God says it is time. He said he signed up for a 2 year Bible course about two weeks ago, but hadn't done anything with it yet. I told him to do the course so he will be prepared when God says, "Now!"
He said he would, with much enthusiasm. I could hardly believe what followed. As he dropped me off at my brother's house he read the same script Keith had read. He said he was convinced the Lord had put all this together because he needed to hear everything I had said to him that night. It wasn't until a few days later I read about carrying God's money for Him, but I know that $85 was in my pocket for him, as he had stated he was struggling to properly support his family.
Trusting God
from Art
I have been around the real estate business for over 50 years now. My dad became a real estate broker in Tempe, Arizona in January 1959, and I decided to get my license in 1971. Since 1971, I have worked in different capacities in the real estate brokerage business… salesperson, manager, general manager, broker, and trainer.
In the early ‘80’s, I was the Executive Vice President of a now defunct, national real estate franchise company when the bottom fell out of the market. With the change in the market, the company had to cut back and my position was eliminated. I told myself that I never wanted to experience that again. After many struggles financially and selling our home in Phoenix, my wife and I decided to make a change and move to Kentucky for a fresh start in 1985. With only $3,000 and a Honda station wagon to our name, my wife, son, and I made the trek across the United States to Northern Kentucky (Greater Cincinnati), not knowing what I would be doing to make a living. The only thing I knew was that I never wanted to get back into the real estate business.
After many months of trying to find myself and going through severe clinical depression, I realized that I needed to do something productive with my life. On a dare, I decided to get back into the real estate business selling and leasing commercial properties in Cincinnati, gradually changing to only residential in Northern Kentucky. Still struggling, in 1990, I was approached by Huff Realty about coming to work for them. When I was interviewed, I told them that I needed a change, so I said yes, as long as they knew that I would only list and sell and would not take on any position in management or training. I told them that I never would do that again. That was on July 1st…I was named Training Director in September of that year. (I needed the money!)
Prior to the announcement of my new position with the company, Jim Huff, the owner, asked me to call Jim Daniels, Executive Director of the Kentucky Real Estate Commission because they wanted me to teach for them. Mr. Huff suggested I call to introduce myself. Mr. Daniels mentioned that all of their classes were scheduled for 1990, so they would not need me until 1991. Before hanging up, I told Mr. Daniels that I could be available if anybody had to cancel. He said that never had happened before, but he would keep it in mind. (This was on a Monday.) That Wednesday (the day it was announced that I was the new Training Director), I received a call from Mr. Daniels telling me that one of his instructors had to cancel due to illness and asked me if I could teach classes on goal setting and time management the next Monday and Tuesday in Paducah and Owensboro. I asked if I could get back to him the next morning. The reason for my delay in answering him was that I had no way to get there because we had no money and a car that could barely make it around the block. What a predicament!!
That evening, my wife and I prayed to God for direction and sensed that I was supposed to accept the offer…not knowing how it would work out. The next morning, I called Mr. Daniels and said yes to the opportunity. Before I could say anything else, he suggested that I drive to Louisville where his office was and that they would take me in a state car, rather than me driving all the way to Paducah. (The first miracle).
Within 10 minutes after my talk with Mr. Daniels, the bookkeeper from Huff Realty came around the corner and asked if I would like to get paid in advance rather than wait until the end of the month. Of course I said yes!! My check was ready in 15 minutes. (The second miracle.)
When I went in to get my check, one of our new managers came in and asked how things were going with me. I told her about my upcoming seminars for the Real Estate Commission. Before I could say anything else, she asked if I wanted to borrow her Cadillac to drive to Louisville. (The third miracle.)
Wow…what a blessing!!! God had provided the way. But the miracles do not end there.
The first seminar was scheduled for Monday evening, so we drove down to Paducah in the morning. The name of the seminar was “TIME OUT for Success” where I first relate seven pitfalls that we all have as real estate agents and how to overcome them. When I got to the pitfall “expecting the worst”, without even thinking, I started relating how clinical depression had affected me a few years earlier to almost a point of suicide (I had never done this before). I also said, “In fact there’s probably someone in this room who is going through this now.”
Shortly afterward we took a break. At the break, numerous people came up to ask questions and I noticed a distinguished-looking gentleman waiting to talk to me. Prior to starting the class again, he asked if he could talk to me after the seminar. After the class, I noticed that he waited until everybody was gone until he approached me again. He said, "I am the man you were talking about. In fact, I wasn’t going to be at this seminar tonight, but somehow ended up coming. You see…I was going to shoot myself this evening. What can I do?”
After the first shock of what was happening, God gave me the perfect words to guide him, realizing that this man was the reason I was there, not the financial blessing of giving the seminar. God was also testing my obedience to Him. From that day forward, I have come to realize that my calling is to reach people who are hurting and to be ready to go anywhere He tells me…no matter the cost. There are so many “successful” people who look good on the outside, but are struggling on the inside.
I have been around the real estate business for over 50 years now. My dad became a real estate broker in Tempe, Arizona in January 1959, and I decided to get my license in 1971. Since 1971, I have worked in different capacities in the real estate brokerage business… salesperson, manager, general manager, broker, and trainer.
In the early ‘80’s, I was the Executive Vice President of a now defunct, national real estate franchise company when the bottom fell out of the market. With the change in the market, the company had to cut back and my position was eliminated. I told myself that I never wanted to experience that again. After many struggles financially and selling our home in Phoenix, my wife and I decided to make a change and move to Kentucky for a fresh start in 1985. With only $3,000 and a Honda station wagon to our name, my wife, son, and I made the trek across the United States to Northern Kentucky (Greater Cincinnati), not knowing what I would be doing to make a living. The only thing I knew was that I never wanted to get back into the real estate business.
After many months of trying to find myself and going through severe clinical depression, I realized that I needed to do something productive with my life. On a dare, I decided to get back into the real estate business selling and leasing commercial properties in Cincinnati, gradually changing to only residential in Northern Kentucky. Still struggling, in 1990, I was approached by Huff Realty about coming to work for them. When I was interviewed, I told them that I needed a change, so I said yes, as long as they knew that I would only list and sell and would not take on any position in management or training. I told them that I never would do that again. That was on July 1st…I was named Training Director in September of that year. (I needed the money!)
Prior to the announcement of my new position with the company, Jim Huff, the owner, asked me to call Jim Daniels, Executive Director of the Kentucky Real Estate Commission because they wanted me to teach for them. Mr. Huff suggested I call to introduce myself. Mr. Daniels mentioned that all of their classes were scheduled for 1990, so they would not need me until 1991. Before hanging up, I told Mr. Daniels that I could be available if anybody had to cancel. He said that never had happened before, but he would keep it in mind. (This was on a Monday.) That Wednesday (the day it was announced that I was the new Training Director), I received a call from Mr. Daniels telling me that one of his instructors had to cancel due to illness and asked me if I could teach classes on goal setting and time management the next Monday and Tuesday in Paducah and Owensboro. I asked if I could get back to him the next morning. The reason for my delay in answering him was that I had no way to get there because we had no money and a car that could barely make it around the block. What a predicament!!
That evening, my wife and I prayed to God for direction and sensed that I was supposed to accept the offer…not knowing how it would work out. The next morning, I called Mr. Daniels and said yes to the opportunity. Before I could say anything else, he suggested that I drive to Louisville where his office was and that they would take me in a state car, rather than me driving all the way to Paducah. (The first miracle).
Within 10 minutes after my talk with Mr. Daniels, the bookkeeper from Huff Realty came around the corner and asked if I would like to get paid in advance rather than wait until the end of the month. Of course I said yes!! My check was ready in 15 minutes. (The second miracle.)
When I went in to get my check, one of our new managers came in and asked how things were going with me. I told her about my upcoming seminars for the Real Estate Commission. Before I could say anything else, she asked if I wanted to borrow her Cadillac to drive to Louisville. (The third miracle.)
Wow…what a blessing!!! God had provided the way. But the miracles do not end there.
The first seminar was scheduled for Monday evening, so we drove down to Paducah in the morning. The name of the seminar was “TIME OUT for Success” where I first relate seven pitfalls that we all have as real estate agents and how to overcome them. When I got to the pitfall “expecting the worst”, without even thinking, I started relating how clinical depression had affected me a few years earlier to almost a point of suicide (I had never done this before). I also said, “In fact there’s probably someone in this room who is going through this now.”
Shortly afterward we took a break. At the break, numerous people came up to ask questions and I noticed a distinguished-looking gentleman waiting to talk to me. Prior to starting the class again, he asked if he could talk to me after the seminar. After the class, I noticed that he waited until everybody was gone until he approached me again. He said, "I am the man you were talking about. In fact, I wasn’t going to be at this seminar tonight, but somehow ended up coming. You see…I was going to shoot myself this evening. What can I do?”
After the first shock of what was happening, God gave me the perfect words to guide him, realizing that this man was the reason I was there, not the financial blessing of giving the seminar. God was also testing my obedience to Him. From that day forward, I have come to realize that my calling is to reach people who are hurting and to be ready to go anywhere He tells me…no matter the cost. There are so many “successful” people who look good on the outside, but are struggling on the inside.
Freed from anger
From Kathy
I had an appointment at the beautician that I have only gone to a few times since moving to a new town. I asked the Lord to use me to deliver a micacle just before I walked in.
My hair dresser seemed stressed and exhausted and when it came my turn, I asked if she would just like to take a break and sit down or perhaps I could come back another day. She looked me in the eye and said, "I need to talk to you!"
She told me a story about her learning disabled son who plays high school basketball and how mean the coach had been to her son and the other players after a game they had won and with an undefeated record. I could hardly keep from crying as she told me about how mad and hurt she was and was going to go to the coach and give him a piece of her mind.
I found myself saying, "Wow, that coach has something else going on in his life, we should be praying for him."
She immediately changed and said, "You're right, I'm so glad you said that because I have been upset for days and filled with anger."
She cut my hair as we continued to talk about how most of the team were Christians and she was going home to tell them they all needed to be praying instead of so angry. The treatment was ruining the fun of the basketball season.
I prayed for her before I left and she said, "You were sent here by God today."
She invited me and my husband to the boys next basketball game. It was in another small town by us, but we felt the Lord's leading to go. The boys won their game, the coach was calm and I was told he had asked them all to forgive him for his attitude.
The Lord's mercies are new every morning. Forgiving others and praying for them release His Spirit to touch many hearts.
I had an appointment at the beautician that I have only gone to a few times since moving to a new town. I asked the Lord to use me to deliver a micacle just before I walked in.
My hair dresser seemed stressed and exhausted and when it came my turn, I asked if she would just like to take a break and sit down or perhaps I could come back another day. She looked me in the eye and said, "I need to talk to you!"
She told me a story about her learning disabled son who plays high school basketball and how mean the coach had been to her son and the other players after a game they had won and with an undefeated record. I could hardly keep from crying as she told me about how mad and hurt she was and was going to go to the coach and give him a piece of her mind.
I found myself saying, "Wow, that coach has something else going on in his life, we should be praying for him."
She immediately changed and said, "You're right, I'm so glad you said that because I have been upset for days and filled with anger."
She cut my hair as we continued to talk about how most of the team were Christians and she was going home to tell them they all needed to be praying instead of so angry. The treatment was ruining the fun of the basketball season.
I prayed for her before I left and she said, "You were sent here by God today."
She invited me and my husband to the boys next basketball game. It was in another small town by us, but we felt the Lord's leading to go. The boys won their game, the coach was calm and I was told he had asked them all to forgive him for his attitude.
The Lord's mercies are new every morning. Forgiving others and praying for them release His Spirit to touch many hearts.
Delivery at 4:00AM
from Brent
I am only half done with the book but it's already working. I drive a truck for a major grocery store chain (Jewel Foods) in the Chicago area. This morning I started work at 1:00am. When I left my house I let God know that I was ready to do his will and I would be paying attention.
After my first stop I was leaving the store at 53rd and Pulaski after having a pleasent but average conversation with the night crew person. I returned to my truck and said no miricle yet but I am still on the lookout.
Only a few minutes later at 79th and Pulaski (a mile or so south) there was a Ford Focus with the flashers on. Now it was 4:00am and I was not in the best neighborhood. Usually when I see something in the street this early in the morning I stay clear, for my own safty and my company's property. Today was different, I trusted God.
I felt God's presence and pulled up next to the car. A lady came up and said she needed gas money. I do not know if it was a scam or not but she did look as if there was a need. I gave her some money for fuel. Feeling a prompt I then asked her if she knew the Lord. She said "Yes, I do." I then asked who might that be? She replied "Jesus Christ my Savior, I have been praying that he would keep me safe and he sent you. Now I know that I am safe." I replied that I had also been praying that He would bring someone into my life and that was her.
The light turned green and I drove away in tears. Glory to the Lord! I am looking forward to finishing the book and sending more stories. After work I went to Macy's because some items my wife and I purchased on Monday were on sale. The amount the store credited back to my account was equal to that I had given the lady.
I am only half done with the book but it's already working. I drive a truck for a major grocery store chain (Jewel Foods) in the Chicago area. This morning I started work at 1:00am. When I left my house I let God know that I was ready to do his will and I would be paying attention.
After my first stop I was leaving the store at 53rd and Pulaski after having a pleasent but average conversation with the night crew person. I returned to my truck and said no miricle yet but I am still on the lookout.
Only a few minutes later at 79th and Pulaski (a mile or so south) there was a Ford Focus with the flashers on. Now it was 4:00am and I was not in the best neighborhood. Usually when I see something in the street this early in the morning I stay clear, for my own safty and my company's property. Today was different, I trusted God.
I felt God's presence and pulled up next to the car. A lady came up and said she needed gas money. I do not know if it was a scam or not but she did look as if there was a need. I gave her some money for fuel. Feeling a prompt I then asked her if she knew the Lord. She said "Yes, I do." I then asked who might that be? She replied "Jesus Christ my Savior, I have been praying that he would keep me safe and he sent you. Now I know that I am safe." I replied that I had also been praying that He would bring someone into my life and that was her.
The light turned green and I drove away in tears. Glory to the Lord! I am looking forward to finishing the book and sending more stories. After work I went to Macy's because some items my wife and I purchased on Monday were on sale. The amount the store credited back to my account was equal to that I had given the lady.
Miracle Delivery to a Homeless Woman
from Kristina
Yesterday while flying to NYC to visit a friend, I finished reading You Were Born for This by Bruce Wilkinson. After arriving at my friend’s apartment earlier in the afternoon than I had anticipated, I had the spontaneous idea to surprise her and meet her at the retail store where she works. I wasn’t sure exactly how to get to the store, but I figured I would ask for directions along the way.
When I exited the subway, I didn’t know which way to go to find the store. By this time it was starting to get dark, so I decided the safest thing to do was to just take the subway back to the apartment. Anyway, by that point my friend’s shift had already ended. My plan was a flop.
On my return ride, two women boarded the train-car at the same station. One woman was a sharp-looking professional; the other was a homeless person with her cart. The professional, who had entered the train-car just before the homeless woman, unintentionally didn’t leave adequate space for the homeless woman and her cart, to which the homeless woman started cussing at the professional. Several of us passengers exchanged glances, which only further provoked the homeless woman. I leaned over to the passenger sitting next to me. “I’m a tourist here. Is this normal?” I asked quietly.
After several minutes the professional exited the train car, and I became the object of the cursing. Then I got one of those “nudges” Bruce Wilkinson writes about. “Kristina, that lady’s profuse foul language are cries for help. Cries for somebody to notice her. Cries for somebody to care about her. Cries for somebody to show her a little bit of My love. Kristina, look! There’s an empty seat right next to her. This is your ‘miracle mission’: sit beside her and wrap your arm around her shoulder. It’s been a long time since she’s felt any love.”
As I moved to sit next to her, she was hostile. “Oh, so now you’re going to be nice to me, are you?” she said sarcastically. I put my arm around her shoulder.
“You know,” I replied gently, “saying all those ugly things doesn’t help the rest of us like you.”
“I don’t have any friends,” she started crying.
“I know Someone who wants to be your Friend,” I said softly. “His name is Jesus, and He loves you very much.”
“But He’s in heaven,” she sniffled, “and I have to live here on earth.”
“I know,” I answered, crying with her. “Life is so hard and full of hurts. Jesus knows that. He loves you so much that He came to earth to die for you. He suffered deeply too, and He sees your pain. Jesus rose again so that you can live here on earth with hope.”
I kept stroking her shoulder, listening to her tell me her story. “Can I pray for you right now?” I asked.
“Yes, please do,” she tearfully replied.
Although the train-car was fairly full, for a few minutes it was as though it was just the two of us women—and God—on that subway.
Yesterday while flying to NYC to visit a friend, I finished reading You Were Born for This by Bruce Wilkinson. After arriving at my friend’s apartment earlier in the afternoon than I had anticipated, I had the spontaneous idea to surprise her and meet her at the retail store where she works. I wasn’t sure exactly how to get to the store, but I figured I would ask for directions along the way.
When I exited the subway, I didn’t know which way to go to find the store. By this time it was starting to get dark, so I decided the safest thing to do was to just take the subway back to the apartment. Anyway, by that point my friend’s shift had already ended. My plan was a flop.
On my return ride, two women boarded the train-car at the same station. One woman was a sharp-looking professional; the other was a homeless person with her cart. The professional, who had entered the train-car just before the homeless woman, unintentionally didn’t leave adequate space for the homeless woman and her cart, to which the homeless woman started cussing at the professional. Several of us passengers exchanged glances, which only further provoked the homeless woman. I leaned over to the passenger sitting next to me. “I’m a tourist here. Is this normal?” I asked quietly.
After several minutes the professional exited the train car, and I became the object of the cursing. Then I got one of those “nudges” Bruce Wilkinson writes about. “Kristina, that lady’s profuse foul language are cries for help. Cries for somebody to notice her. Cries for somebody to care about her. Cries for somebody to show her a little bit of My love. Kristina, look! There’s an empty seat right next to her. This is your ‘miracle mission’: sit beside her and wrap your arm around her shoulder. It’s been a long time since she’s felt any love.”
As I moved to sit next to her, she was hostile. “Oh, so now you’re going to be nice to me, are you?” she said sarcastically. I put my arm around her shoulder.
“You know,” I replied gently, “saying all those ugly things doesn’t help the rest of us like you.”
“I don’t have any friends,” she started crying.
“I know Someone who wants to be your Friend,” I said softly. “His name is Jesus, and He loves you very much.”
“But He’s in heaven,” she sniffled, “and I have to live here on earth.”
“I know,” I answered, crying with her. “Life is so hard and full of hurts. Jesus knows that. He loves you so much that He came to earth to die for you. He suffered deeply too, and He sees your pain. Jesus rose again so that you can live here on earth with hope.”
I kept stroking her shoulder, listening to her tell me her story. “Can I pray for you right now?” I asked.
“Yes, please do,” she tearfully replied.
Although the train-car was fairly full, for a few minutes it was as though it was just the two of us women—and God—on that subway.
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