I know a fellow who has gone out of his way time and time again to treat people with love and meet their needs. He frequently intercedes to Father God for those who cross his path. This guy has such a high level of integrity! (I challenge anyone who knows him to name one single time when he was ever caught
with his hand in the cookie jar.) And wise? Oh, my goodness is he ever wise! Wise, but not snobby. Wise, but very patient! Wise, but not a wise guy.
I met this fellow a few decades ago. There was something about him that caught my attention. You know the saying that some people have their head in the clouds? …or the one that claims you can be so heavenly minded you’re no earthly good? Well, this guy is all about having a relationship with Father God;
constantly, like non-stop! But he doesn’t have his head in the clouds. He looks at life clearly and deals with it squarely. He is neither gullible nor unrealistic, but is rock-solid and true. He is resolute when it comes to sharing his beliefs, even when doing so makes others angry. (I know that for a fact because there have been times when I got a little ticked at him, but that didn’t stop him from saying what I needed to hear.)
I know it is said that women should minister to women and men to men. I agree there is wisdom in handling ministry that way. However, it seems there are times when just talking to another gal isn’t enough; when I just have to talk to him. He grasps what no one else does. You see, this brother cares so
much about my spiritual well being that I know I am safe talking to him about anything, even things I would not discuss with my best friend, mother or doctor.
Recently I poured my heart out to him about a big disappointment, just as I have in times past. I was hurt that Father God allowed the enemy to attack my loved one. I could not see the reason for it. It seemed so unfair, just as what Job endured was highly unfair. I am very familiar with the book of Job. It was the
first book of the Bible that I ever read and have read many times since. I understand things happen in the spiritual realm that are beyond my ability to comprehend. I understand Father God is both all-knowing and loving, and that He doesn’t toy with us. If He allows pain, it is essential, for our lives are not just about us. Still, the ache in my heart was more than I could handle. I needed reassurance and a word from him.
As usual, He comforted me. He reminded me that He really does understand my feelings. There were countless times as He walked on earth that His Father allowed Him to suffer for my sake; especially when He was crucified. He also reminded me of the passage in His diary which explains how He endured the
cross for the joy that was set before Him. He knew I needed to keep that in mind. Then my trustworthy friend, my brother Jesus, delightfully replenished my heart with His joy once again, as He so loves to do. Yes, my Lord, my Savior really did it again! He offered me joy, and I gladly accepted. God took what the
enemy meant for harm and turned it to good. Well, well, I guess this is just another example of me ending up with a reason to praise God and the devil ending up with a big disappointment. My friend Jesus makes that happen over and over in my life, and can in yours too.
Hebrews 12:1-3 (NASB) Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart.