Yesterday I started my first semester at long beach state. Due to high fees for the parking pass, I choose to take the bus to school. Figure I could meet some cool people. Well I was right. Sitting at the bus stop, waiting for the bus to come. Three guys come walking over and one of them sits right next to me. I tried not to listen in on the conversation but there was nothing else going on, ha. I quickly realized that the guy sitting next to me was on his way to rehab. It seemed an intervention of some sort had just gone on and now they were taking him to get checked in. I started to pray, in my head of course. I soon found myself sharing part of my testimony with the guy sitting next to me. He also is 21 and I got to share how I have been sober for two years now and life couldn't be better.
Just moments before I left for the bus stop, the Lord had put it on my heart to bring a bible with me in my backpack. As I sat there talking, I knew this was the reason why. I asked his friends if they allowed patients to bring in any items. They said yes. I reached in my bag and handed him the bible. His face lit up. I told him it might not seem like much now but this book will get you through this difficult time. His friends all agreed. What an amazing opportunity. But that wasn't the best part. Right after that happened, his friend looked at the bus schedule and realized they were at the wrong stop. I laughed a little on the inside and thought, no you came exactly where you needed to come. They walked away and I realized I didn't even get their names. Doubtful I will ever seen them again.
I wanted to share that as an example of how the Lord can use us. I had no idea that group of guys would sit next to me, no idea why I was carrying around that extra bible but when the opportunity came, I knew if I didn't act, then who would? What if I had just sat there and minded my own business? I will never know the outcome of that boys life but can only pray the Lord speaks to him through that bible. I want to encourage everyone to be prepared for who the Lord might bring into your path. It could be for a greater purpose than our own.
Talk about divine appointments! Sooooo good. How AWESOME. May God speak to him through the WORD.
ReplyDeletehigh five
Wow, that's awesome!
ReplyDeleteoh my gosh this just made my day! God is so rad.
ReplyDeletereading this just made my night! God always makes the pieces fall together and what a rad opportunity for us as a group to rally behind this guy in prayer.
ReplyDeleteLord, be with this guy in rehab. speak to him through your word. heal his addiction. bring more people like justin along to encourage him and be Your hands and feet to him.
This post just brought tears to my eyes. This is exactly what we as Christians are meant to do...and it takes us being open and willing and sensitive to the Holy Spirit when he opens these doors for us. Sometimes I wonder how many times God has tried to speak through me, but I either was too distracted to notice, wasn't listening, wasn't prepared, or didn't have the courage to do so. I pray that I NEVER get to caught up in my daily life that I miss out on the special appointments that God puts in my path to bring him glory.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBest...story...of...the...month. Such a great example of the fact that when we open our lives up, when we allow margins and space for God to fill, He's going to do it. And he's going to do it in ways that surprise and delight us. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteSo sickkk!!! This was so awesome and I feel like the more we come to grips that His plan is perfect, we are constantly put into positions that will be used to glorify our Lord. Jesus is so rad all the time. All the time, Jesus is rad! This really pumped me up, Justin and I look forward to sharing stories and getting to know you better!
ReplyDeleteSo awesome how you acted on the prompt to grab another Bible!!!
ReplyDeleteI feel like a weirdo sometimes when I don't know where thoughts come from like, 'grab that extra Bible' - 'go left here' - 'take the stairs today' - 'buy an extra gallon of milk'
what?! "Is that really you, God?"
This was so encouraging to keep trying to go after them. Thanks Justin!
Great story! God works in the most expectant ways. This is a great story of obedience and trust. Sometimes its scary acting out in that way because you don't know how people will react especially it being a stranger. I am glad you moved when God gave you the push.
ReplyDelete1. awesome
ReplyDelete2. I can give you a tip to get free parking at long beach state and I think you'd be great for it.
3. I took the bus everyday when I went to the University of Hawaii. I'm just warning you, not all experiences are like this, but you really did get off to a great start. ha. :)
how awesome that we get to be used by God. Love this. Love all the "coincidences".
ReplyDeleteYou know we ran into each other on the bus from school. haha. You know whats crazy too. The 171 is where I have had some crazy experiences connecting with people as well. Like one time I ended up praying for this guy on 2nd and PCH. Strange. I guess the lord favors that bus route.
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