B E H I N D / T H E / B A R

I stood there with him on the side of the road, waiting for the tow truck to arrive.  The country road was quiet, with the exception of the occasional passer-by, and so was he.  He was trying to be hopeful, and keep a right perspective, but this was the third vehicle malfunction his family had dealt with in a week.  This guy has a huge heart for ministry.  He is constantly pouring into the lives of people, calling out the good that God has placed within him.  As we stood there together, I knew we were probably both thinking the same thing, “this stinks” and “why?” The car was towed, and the next day the diagnosis came back that the engine was completely shot.  His daughter leaves for college in two weeks, and this was the car she was going to be driving.

I texted him later to see how I could help.  His response humbled me.  “I’m just trying to remember that there are so many who have it so much harder.”  His circumstances are frustrating, he’s not sure what he’s going to do now, but his heart for others remains in spite his adversity.

I carry a little black rock in my pocket.  It reminds me of two things:

1.  Somebody’s praying for me, and
2.  Somebody else has it harder than me, so I should pray for them.

I could so easily focus solely upon the struggles that I’m facing, and trust me, I have my fair share.  But as my buddy, and the rock in my pocket, remind me, someone else out there has it so much harder.  If that’s you – then today I pray for you:

Father – fill my friend with hope today in the midst of their circumstances.  Provide for their needs.  Remind them that you are close to the brokenhearted.  Comfort them in their struggle, and if I may be so bold, would you bless them today with a huge miracle that would absolutely just blow their socks off.  You’re a Good Father.  May they remember that, and see that with their own eyes today! I ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus! – Amen

“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” – Paul, The Apostle (Galatians 6:2)

SPECIAL REQUEST:  If you, or someone you know has a car that they want to give away or sell for a very low price, please email me at pastor@riverchurch.me.  He didn’t ask me to do this, but I’m asking for my friend, AND I’m asking for something reliable, something that you would feel comfortable with your daughter driving away to college.