I am humbled by a phone call I just got. It’s one of those calls that Our Lord will allow to happen to give you a shot of encouragement that is needed right on time. I would love to share with you about this call but, I need to give some back story.
One night, several years ago, I was returning home from an event we did at the church, at our old location. I needed to make a stop at a convenience store that was on the way. That was when I encountered Richard and his dog.
Richard was living on the streets. He had permission to stay on the property of the gas station from the managers, because, he really wasn’t a threat to anyone. On this particular night, in fact the only time he did, he asked if I would help him with something to eat for his dog. If I remember correctly, I made sure he had something to eat too.
(This is not Richard’s dog)
After I brought him some food and his dog as well, we spent some time talking. (Side note: I always encourage others to take time to talk to those in need. You will find that their stories of why they are in their situations is not what we always assume. Also, you never know whom you’ll encounter. Hebrews 13:2 (NIV): Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.) It turns out that Richard is an artist that works with wood. He had hit some hard times but continued to work with wood. He showed me pictures of some of his elaborate work. One of the things he puts together is a prayer kneeler.
We spoke for some time and he professes that Jesus is his Lord. He felt like for the time he was out there, he was to be a street evangelist. I can hear the moans now, a street evangelist? Yes, he felt the call to be out on the streets working with the homeless as much as possible. We prayed together and exchanged numbers.
Over the next several months, or it could have been longer, I would stop to talk to Richard and his precious dog. I would always ask if he needed anything and he would assure me that he had all he needed. We would always engage in a conversation about things that were happening around the area where he was staying. He would have questions for me to help him grow stronger in The Lord and even would call occasionally to ask for help for someone else, never for himself. (Proverbs 27:17 NASB: Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another., Romans 15:2 NLT: We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.)
One night, when I stopped to visit with Richard and his dog, he told me that he finally will have a place to live. He was excited to be able to get off the streets. We spoke and rejoiced together. We Praised God for all He provided for Richard.
As time went on, I would look to see if Richard would ever show back up to that gas station. Every time I would go by, I would pray for him and hope that he was doing ok. I had not heard from him in a long time.
Today, after several years, Richard called me! I was confused at first because many lately have called me and said I had the wrong number. I have added his number to close to 400 numbers that I send out an encouraging word, Bible verse, and prayer almost daily. I had to let the call go to voice mail as I was at work. It was Richard! (Philippians 2:1-4 NLT: Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.)
As soon as I had a chance, I called him back, he had asked me to call him. He called to tell me thank you for the encouraging words every morning. He told me that he and his dog were doing great. He told me that his living situation was going to change but it was for the better. He also was setting up his new shop and asked me to come by to visit.
This to say that you never know what will happen if you take the time to listen to someone’s story. You never know whom you will get to encourage. You never know what taking a little time from your day to encourage someone will do for them.
Take a minute, buy a cup of coffee or a meal for that person on the corner asking for help, and listen to their story. (James 1:19 NLT)
Until Next Time:
Ezekiel 37:1-14 (NLKJV): The hand of the Lord came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. 2 Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry. 3 And He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”
So I answered, “O Lord God, You know.”
4 Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! 5 Thus says the Lord God to these bones: “Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. 6 I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.”’”
7 So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone. 8 Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them.
9 Also He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.”’” 10 So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army.
11 Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They indeed say, ‘Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!’ 12 Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. 13 Then you shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves. 14 I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken it and performed it,” says the Lord.’”
