As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
—Proverbs 27:17
It’s so funny, I had the greatest edification of this biblical truth after getting to talk a bit with an old friend last night during Jovie’s birthday dinner. It just goes to show that God works to put certain people in your life during certain unexpected places and unexpected times, in order to work in you or in them.
This guy is like a walking testimony! You don’t understand, he’s not like how he was in high school. See, the high school Alan I knew was a cussing, partying, drinking, flirting, take-it-easy kind of cool guy. Hahaha! And we got to talk yesterday and catch up, and now he’s all about Jesus Christ. Not to say that he’s perfect, but who is? The fact that his life has changed, that his heart has changed for the Lord, is amaaaaazing. I’ve heard so many people’s stories about their life testimonies, of how they used to live a kind of lifestyle opposed to God and now how they’ve turned Jesus Christ for the better. That’s awesome, but actually seeing it first-hand, like knowing how a person was before and how he is now, just encouraged me big time to continue pursuing what I’m trying to do for the Lord.
It’s funny, because he’s going through a trial right now that was similar to mine during the last year. I know he’s been struggling, which is why I know God definitely put him in my path last night to encourage him and give him some strong biblical backing. I’m so proud of him for choosing to forsake himself in his pursuit of the Lord, even as a new Christian. Great things are going to come by him. It was an honor to pray for my new Brother in Christ.
But as for me, I was likewise encouraged, more than he would probably know. Lately, I’ve been doubting myself when it comes to Bible school. I know this is what I want to do with my life, but then creeping thoughts come in.
“What if you graduate and don’t accomplish anything with it? Look at the world around us. People are so opposed to Jesus and the Word of God. It’s so hard for people to change. What’s the point? Will going to Bible school really equip you to change people’s lives? To help them see Jesus more clearly? People are so stubborn, it’s so hard for them to change. How many times have you actually shared about Jesus Christ? See? On top of people being against God, you double it by not sharing!”
And God is so faithful to me. I’m like holding back tears right now like a girl, ugh. Lately I’ve been feeling like it’s useless to try to change people, and I’ve been hard on myself because it’s so difficult for me to talk about Christ in open conversation with friends and family. But He has always been faithful to me despite my doubts and shortcomings, in that He always answers me whenever I need Him. Whenever I doubt my heart and motives, He is always there to point me to an answer. And last night, God led me to a birthday party to meet an old friend who has changed from his rebellious past into a person who is trying to be the best he can be for the Lord.
God showed me last night that what I want to do, will not be naught. It’s as if God told me, “Look what I did. Did you see what I did with him? He is going through hard times right now, but I am refining him to be like my Son. The world has hardened their hearts toward me, but I turn them into flesh again. This task is not impossible. Yes, they are stubborn. But through me, you can do all things.”
I’m sure I encouraged him, but this has refreshed me more than I ever thought it ever could. I have a new perspective on what I want to do, and on why people need to hear about Jesus Christ and the freedom that He gives. I’ve been doubting so badly.. and yet He just showed me that letting others know Him is going to be a hard task, but it is not impossible through Him. God showed me that lives can and will be changed.
All things are possible through Christ who strengthens me.
—Philippians 4:13.
I’m so thankful to God for this calling upon my life. It’s such an honor to have this kind of task on my heart. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Even though I’ve doubted, God always brings me back to the fact that this isn’t some mediocre task I’ve been set up for.. it’s a matter of life and death. I’ve just seen a friend who was dead, who is now alive in Jesus Christ. What a beautiful mission I’ve been called to.
God gives me the best examples ever. Can’t wait to use this example in a message one day. Hahah! So glad we met up yesterday, will definitely continue to keep him in prayer.
Gonna go eat a bit and then eat out with daddy later. :)
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