October 9, 2023
PROVIDENCE ABOUNDS
Jeff Weill
Volunteer, Mississippi
"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” - Ephesians 2:10
“Should I go?” I asked my lawyer friend Jim Bobo over lunch many years ago. I was a young man with a very full life: three small children, a busy law practice, and active in my church and community. A mission opportunity to build houses for the wretchedly poor in Honduras had been offered by my church that summer. Comfortable in my world, with this busy-ness a handy reason to decline, I sought wisdom.
“What does the Lord want you to do?” Jim asked, sensibly. “Dunno,” I lied. “Surely he understands my obstacles to going…” Jim said nothing. We ate in silence. Then he spoke, “Jeff, you have mentioned you prayed recently for an opportunity to serve. Have you thought this trip may be an answer to that prayer?” Hmmm…And so I went to Honduras that summer to build houses.
One morning as I lay bricks, I saw the face of a small boy peering out from behind a wall who was closely watching us work. I gestured for him to come out. Reluctantly he stepped into full view. To my astonishment, he was wearing a t-shirt which said “Bobo Law Office.” There. In Central America, 3000 miles from Jim Bobo’s law practice.
Later, back in the States, I recounted this story of providence to Jim. He said his wife had donated leftover t-shirts from his sponsored T-ball team to a local mission effort. Somehow one had made it to central Honduras.
What an affirmation of God’s calling.
That was long ago. Just recently — three decades later — another Christian brother over a meal told me about the MMM water project and the opportunity to serve God’s people. After giving my several excuses — I’m too old, too comfortably retired, I’m needed elsewhere — that same Holy Spirit has gently nudged me to go to Africa.
Application Question: So, how do we recognize and respond to opportunities to serve God’s people? We pray for them and for a heart willing to submit to His call. He is faithful to answer that prayer.
Prayer: Lord, help me desire to show Your love to others. Provide an opportunity for me today to do so and incline my heart to do Your will. All glory to thee. Amen
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