In a large fellowship of Christian men sharing a mission, Brian offered
to share a book his wife gave to him. In
the front cover his wife wrote:
"I'm so proud of you and all you do to serve others. Your example made me a better person. Love always. "
Wow...wouldn't it be great to have a wife like that! So I read the book.
The story is about a
high flying corporate lawyer who has an epiphany. After running 70,
80, 100 hour work weeks to help others
do mega finance deals he arrives at the first of several really good questions: "What the heck am I doing with my life?"
Soon Dale finds himself at the end of a divorce, and wiped out financially and emotionally his
brother asks him to give his life to Jesus. More good questions. "What does that mean? What
will that accomplish?". Then in acceptance, "What do I have to
lose?"
His questions are fantastic aren't they. He is
asking, seeking, trying to understand. In a small bible study group,
he meets a woman, and pursues her. She prays for Gods dominion over
the relationship. Again it leads him to questions "What does it mean to
give God dominion over your life? Who
does such a thing? How does one do that?"
He is remarried, and lands a huge job, builds an enormous house with a 1200 square foot bedroom,
and then the questions begin to find answers. He comes across the story of the rich young ruler, whom Jesus told to sell
everything, give to the poor, and follow Him. Again, Dale asks one of his
questions "Do you think he meant what he said?" After sleepless nights, he
realizes he can't have all the wealth and the Kingdom of God, and following
Jesus is not just for priests and nuns.
At
this point I should say Dale is Catholic, which stuns me. I almost stopped reading the book then remembered the sharp sincerity of his questions, and his responses.
He pursues a life increasing devotion to serving others, building community,
listening to his family (yes even the children) in family meetings. He finds a
ministry helping the poor, at first part time, then ultimately full time. They
move as they try to respond to the call to learn, until he finds an offer he
cant refuse, one for which he seems tailor made. Ministering to those on death
row.
One of
the offenders Dale meets in prison has a dramatic outlook on Life: "I
praise and thank the Lord for this life sentence. It's been eight and 1/2 years
of blessing others lives. God has allowed me to lead others to Him, to plant
seeds and water the seeds that others have planted." ... ."I no
longer have a life sentence spiritually. Instead I have the gift of eternal
life."
So much of this story seemed to be my story, and your story...how tragedy leads to revival, and destiny. How God causes us to ask questions and then begins to answer in ways that bring life. How simple obedience may not lead to success, or victory but simply peace and purpose.
I recently worked with a group of men in a prison ministry, and without a doubt, God showed up in a powerful way. Cleansing, healing, and drawing men to himself. I had to great privilege of joining 40+ men and our Lord in those exploits. Its been a chance to share my faith with so many in and outside of prison. God is good.
Lord Help me to stay close to you in the trials, and not just endure but thrive as you rebuild who I am, making me the man you would have me be. Bring encouragement into my life through others Lord as you did for Brian, and help me be that kind of encouragement to them.
