It must be quite an experience for God Almighty to observe us as we struggle to understand the events of the day, demand instant answers as to our meaning and purpose, and try (most often in vain) to figure out our circumstances and define our lot in life.
Case in point- Last year, in the final paragraph of my dissertation, I wrote:
"I played in a band from my teenage years until my late 20's. We recorded three albums and played a multitude of concerts throughout the 1990s. I am not proud to admit that we were known as one of the more lyrically offensive acts of the time. I blessed to admit that the deafening volume of sin in my life was not too loud for God. I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He saved my life (the two other men that founded the band with me were not as fortunate- one in currently serving a lengthy prison sentence, the other died after a bar fight). I know that what God did for me, He can do for anyone…. And I thank Him for it every day."
As you can see, I basically closed the book on this chapter of my life. After all, I knew for certain that one of my bandmates would not be seen again (at least not on this earth) and the other one was behind bars. Who knew that after 16 years spent in a rural supermax prison, this man would be released and housed less than ¼ mile from the church that God called me to Pastor? Well… we all know Who knew, don't we?
So, about 2 weeks ago I check the church voicemail and I hear a voice I had not heard in nearly 2 decades. And what are the first 4 words the voice says? "Praise God, I'm free." I assure you that in our correspondences while he was incarcerated, neither my friend nor I had any idea he would ever be able to visit our church, nor was I certain he would want to. Well, this Sunday he is playing guitar on the worship team. Also, my friend has expressed his interest in bringing other newly released men to our church. I ask you all to bathe this entire situation in prayer.
God knows more than we ever could; our job is not to know it all but to be ready and willing to heed His call.
One of the ways God has done mighty works in my heart is through His music; I pray the Lord would do the same for my friend. As I wrote above, "I know that what God did for me, He can do for anyone…"
