The recent heat wave got me to thinking about a story I had shared some time ago and I thought it was worth sharing again... This was from News Hope Weekly on 8/31/2005:
Last week I had a request from one of our neighbors for a square fan to fit in his apartment window. At the same time he told me he was coming to visit our church on Sunday. Sunday came and went, we had not received a fan via. donation; nor did he come to visit the church. The following Wednesday I found a note from this man on the front porch of New Hope. He apologized for not visiting on Sunday. The same day (during donation pickups) we were given a square window fan. I instantly thought of this man when I saw the fan. I brought the fan to his house and knocked on the door. The following conversation ensued:
Man in apartment- " Who Is it?"
Pastor Jake- "Pastor Jake"
Man in apartment- " Pastor who?"
Pastor Jake- "Pastor Jake, from New Hope Baptist"
Man in apartment- "Ohhhhhh, thaaaaaat Pastor"
(the man slowly unlocks and opens door)
Man in doorway- " Hey, I am so sorry I didn't make it on Sunday... I am a man of my word... I'll be there next time... I promise... Did you get my note? etc. etc. etc. "
Pastor Jake- " Yes, I got the note. Thank you for your honesty. We did miss you Sunday. But remember we are there every week and you are always welcome.But actually, I came here today to give you this"
( I hand him the fan)
Man in doorway- " That's exactly what I asked for, that's exactly what I need! Thank you!"
Pastor Jake - " You are welcome. We did miss you Sunday. But remember, we're there every week"
Man in doorway- " I'll see you Sunday!"
This man WAS there the following Sunday... Praise the Lord!
Not only was this situation the definition of New Hope Baptist Church's mission statement, It is also a lesson about our relationship with God. Sometimes we feel shamed, embarrassed, and regretful. We think God is coming to our door to scold us for our behavior. We feel the need to apologize over and over for the same old sins. However, God wants to "bring us our square fan". He has exactly what we ask for. He is trying to bring us exactly what we need.
