A Story About Persistence

Here is an interesting story about persistence and having another perspective on the challenges and vicissitudes of life.

One day I decided to quit – quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality. I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.

“God”, I said. “Can you give me one good reason not to quit?” His answer surprised me.

“Look around”, He said. “Do you see the fern and the bamboo?”

“Yes”, I replied.

“When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. However, I did not quit on the bamboo.

“In the second year, the fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. Again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. In year three, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. The same in year four.

“Then in the fifth year, a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern, it was seemingly small and insignificant. But just six months later, the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle.

“Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots? I would not quit on the bamboo…I will never quit on you.

“Don’t compare yourself to others.” He said. “The bamboo had a different purpose from the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful. Your time will come”, God said to me. “You will rise high.”

“How high should I rise?” I asked.

“How high will the bamboo rise?” He asked in return.

“As high as it can?” I questioned.

“Yes.” He said, “Give me glory by rising as high as you can.”

I left the forest, realizing that God will never give up on me.

And He will never give up on you.

Never regret a day in your life. Good days give you happiness; bad days give you experiences; both are essential to life.

– Author Unknown

Meditation: For there is hope for a tree, If it is cut down, that it will sprout again, And that its tender shoots will not cease. – Job 14:7

You will succeed in Jesus' Name!

The Ambassador of Christ

 

This is a true story about being a good ambassador of Christ in every situation and representing Him well wherever we find ourselves.

Several years ago, a preacher from out-of-state accepted a call to a church in Houston, Texas. Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area.

When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, “You’d better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it.”

Then he thought, “Oh, forget it, it’s only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a ‘gift from God’ and keep quiet.”

When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, “Here, you gave me too much change…”

The driver, with a smile, replied, “Aren’t you the new preacher in town?”

“Yes,” he replied.

“Well, I have been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I’ll see you at church on Sunday.”

When the preacher stepped off the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and groaned, “Oh God! I almost sold your Son for a quarter!”

Our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read. This is a really scary example of how much people watch us as Christians, and will put us to the test!  Always be on guard – and remember – you carry the name of Christ on your shoulders when you call yourself  ‘Christian.’

– Author Unknown

Meditation: So we have been sent to speak for Christ. It is like God is calling to people through us. – 2 Corinthians 5:20 (ERV)

You will succeed in Jesus' Name!

When You are Going through Afflictions

This is a story to encourage you when you are experiencing afflictions. It also gives you an insight as to what is really going on.

There was a blacksmith who gave his heart to God. Though conscientious in his living, still he was not prospering materially. In fact, it seemed that from the time of his conversion, he had more trouble, afflictions and losses than ever before. Everything seemed to be going wrong.

One day, a friend who was not a Christian stopped at his shop to talk to him. Sympathizing with him for some of his trials, the friend said. “It seems strange to me that so much affliction should come to you just at the time when you have become an earnest Christian. Of course, I don’t want to weaken your faith in God or anything like that. But here you are, with God’s help and guidance, and yet things seem to be getting steadily worse. I can’t help wondering why it is so.”

The blacksmith did not answer immediately. Finally, he said, “You see here the raw iron which I have to make into horse’s shoes. You know what I do with it? I take a piece and heat it in the fire until it is red, almost white with the heat. Then I hammer it unmercifully, to shape it as I know it should be shaped. Then I plunge it into a pail of cold water to temper it. Then I heat it again and hammer it some more. And this I do until it is finished.

“But sometimes I find a piece of iron that won’t stand up under this treatment. The heat and the hammering and the cold water are too much for it. I don’t know why it fails in the  process, but I know it will never make a good horse’s shoe.”

He pointed to a heap of scrap iron that was near the door of his shop. “When I get a piece that cannot take the shape and temper, I throw it out on the scrap heap. It will never be good for anything.”

He went on, “I know that God has been holding me in the fires of affliction and I have felt His hammer upon me. But I don’t mind if only He can bring me to what I should be.

“So, in all these hardships my prayer is simply this: Try me in any way you wish, Lord; only don’t throw me on the scrap heap.”

– Author Unknown

Meditation: My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. – James 1:2-4

You will succeed in Jesus' Name!

The Bird Cage – A Redemption Story

 

Below is a story that depicts the significance of the redemption that Lord Jesus Christ wrought for us.

There once was a man named George Thomas, a pastor in a small New England town. One Easter Sunday morning he came to the Church carrying a rusty, bent, old bird cage, and set it by the pulpit. Several eyebrows were raised and, as if in response, Pastor Thomas began to speak.

“I was walking through town yesterday when I saw a young boy coming toward me, swinging this bird cage. On the bottom of the cage were three little wild birds, shivering with cold and fright. I stopped the lad and asked, “What you got there son?”

“Just some old birds,” came the reply.

“What are you gonna do with them?” I asked.

“Take ’em home and have fun with ’em. I’m gonna tease ’em and pull out their feathers to make ’em fight. I’m gonna have a real good time.”

“But you’ll get tired of those birds sooner or later. What will you do then?”

“Oh, I got some cats. They like birds. I’ll take ’em to them.”

The pastor was silent for a moment. “How much do you want for those birds, son?”

“Huh? Why, you don’t want them birds, mister. They’re just plain old field birds. They don’t sing – they ain’t even pretty!”

“How much?”

The boy sized up the pastor as if he were crazy and said, “$10?”

The pastor reached in his pocket and took out a ten-dollar bill. He placed it in the boy’s hand. In a flash, the boy was gone.

The pastor picked up the cage and gently carried it to the end of the alley where there was a tree and a grassy spot. Setting the cage down, he opened the door, and by softly tapping the bars persuaded the birds out, setting them free.

Well, that explained the empty bird cage on the pulpit, and then the pastor began to tell this story.

One day Satan and Jesus were having a conversation. Satan had just come from the Garden of Eden, and he was gloating and boasting.

“Yes, sir, I just caught the world full of people down there. Set me a trap, used bait I knew they couldn’t resist. Got ’em all!”

“What are you going to do with them?” Jesus asked.

“Oh, I’m gonna have fun! I’m gonna teach them how to marry and divorce each other. How to hate and abuse each other. How to drink and smoke and curse. How to invent guns and bombs and kill each other. I’m really gonna have fun!”

“And what will you do when you get done with them?”, Jesus asked.

“Oh, I’ll kill ’em.”

“How much do you want for them?”

“Oh, you don’t want those people. They ain’t no good. Why, you take them and they’ll just hate you. They’ll spit on you, curse you and kill you! You don’t want those people!”

“How much?”

Satan looked at Jesus and sneered, “All your tears, and all your blood.” Jesus paid the price.

The pastor picked up the cage, opened the door and he walked from the pulpit.

Jesus has paid the price for our redemption, wellbeing, and wholeness with His blood and by laying down His life in replacement for all. That He has paid the ultimate price is not in doubt. The important thing is if you’ll accept Him.

– Author Unknown

Meditation: Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you. – 1 Peter 1:18-20

You will succeed in Jesus’ Name!

The Marriage Vow – A True Story

 

This is a true-life story about the importance of keeping the marriage vow, no matter how tough and unbearable the vicissitudes of life throw at us.

“I, Sarah Adams, take you Lawson Lawrence as my lawful wedded husband, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, till death do us part.” She smiled at him through her veil.

“You may now kiss your bride, Mr. Lawson.” The Pastor beckoned.

Lawson’s heart raced as he gently unveiled his bride’s face. She looked so beautiful. He gently bent over and placed a soft kiss on her lip. Sarah, in turn, embraced him tightly with tears of joy streaming down her face.

“Never leave me, Sarah.” He whispered in her ear.

“I will never leave you.” She whispered and they slowly released themselves from the embrace.

“I present to you the latest couple!” The Pastor exclaimed excitedly.

The church cheered and Sarah cried more in her husband’s arms.

Five Years Later

Sarah silently tiptoed behind her husband. He was in his study, engrossed in reading. She smiled to herself and gently covered his eyes with both hands.

“It’s just you and I in this house Sara. Plus, I smelled you the moment you walked in.” He said.

Sara released her hold, sighed and sat on the study table, “Why do you figure me out so easily? I can’t even surprise you! That sucks.” she curled her arms around his neck.

“You are my wife; nothing you do is supposed to surprise me.” He playfully pecked her nose.

“But you’ve been in the study all day and I’m bored!” She rolled her eyes.

“So what kind of fun do you suggest we have then?” He swooped her off the table in his arms.

“No! Not that kind of fun!” She hit him playfully until he put her down.

“Ok.” He folded his arms on his chest, looking into her eyes, “So what do you want us to do?”

“Not us. Actually, all I want is to play with your PlayStation and you’ve hidden it again! Just give it and you can continue your reading. Pleaaaseee.” She blinked her eyes playfully.

“No way.” He went back toward his study chair and sat, “Not my PlayStation.”

“Why! You never let me touch it…like it’s your baby.” She sulked.

“Well,” he rolled his eyes, “Not like you’ve given me a baby yet.”

Sara paused for a moment. Did he just say that to her? The words struck her deep down. “You shouldn’t have said that Lawson…” She managed to say, her countenance changing.

“But it’s true…I’m only saying the truth, Sara.” He turned to face her, still sitting on the chair.

“The truth? You think I don’t want us to have kids?”

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that…” He stood to face her now.

“Then what are you saying, Lawson? Tell me, what is the truth?”

“Let’s not do this today…please. You can have the PlayStation and play all you want. It’s in my footwear locker and the key is in my Bible.”

“You always do this…hurting me with your words.” Her voice began to shake.

“Don’t start Sara, please.”

“Tell me why you said those words to me! I want to know!”

“Because I’m tired! I want to be a father! I want to have my own kids Sara…”

”And you think I don’t?!” Sara flared, trying not to let the tears pour.

“Then why can’t you get pregnant Sara? This is the fifth year we are trying.” He clenched his teeth and walked out of the study.

Sara was in shock. She sat on the chair for some seconds, stood up again and sat on the chair again…this time she held onto her blouse and burst into tears.

Two Weeks Later

“Lawson, wake up please.” Sara tapped him

Lawson gently opened his eyes and looked at the alarm clock by his bedside, “It’s 2:00 am Sara…”

“It’s urgent.”

“I’m listening.” He said drowsily.

“Mother says we should come for tests. She says she’s spoken to her doctor and he said we should come.”

“What?” Lawson opened his eyes now, “Your mother is in the UK for Christ’s sake!”

“Let’s just do it. We can go for the weekend; let’s just give it a shot, please.”

“No. That would be rather expensive and…”

“It’s my birthday today and the only thing I want from you is this trip.”

Lawson fell quiet now. For the past two years now, his wife’s birthday has been skipping his mind…totally.

“I’m…I’m sorry Sara…It skipped my mind…”

“It always does.” She lay down back on the bed, backing him.

Lawson wrapped his arms around her waist, “I said I’m sorry…”

No response.

Lawson sighed, “Fine, we go this weekend.”

“Really?” She turned sharply, excited.

“If it will make you happy today.”

“Thank you, baby.” She hugged him.

A Week After

Sara jerked at the vibration of the phone in her pocket.

“Hi mom!” she pressed the phone to her ear with her shoulders, wiping the washed dishes with her hands.

“Honey…”

“What is it mom?” she pressed it harder.

“The result…the result of the tests…” her mother cried.

Sarah gently dropped the plate and the wiper, heart racing… ”Just say it, mom…”

That Night

“I can never have children Lawson…” Sara cried.

Lawson felt his world crash right in front of him, “W…what?”

“Mama called today…she’s gotten the test results.”

“Jesus Christ!” Lawson stood, placing his palm on his head, “B…but you told me you were okay before we got married. You told me the doctor said your abortion didn’t damage your womb.”

“Don’t bring my past into this!” Sara flared.

Lawson laughed and got serious almost immediately, “You are crazy. I married a crazy woman!”

Sara looked at him in shock, like he’d lost his mind.

“The results say you can never have children and we both know that this has to do with the abortion you had before we met!” he flared, “Are you happy? You know we’re screwed, right? No kids? what are we going to tell the world?”

“Lawson we can adopt…” Sara cried.

“Adopt? Wow!” he laughed again, “I married a funny woman too!” He got serious again. “It’s still not our baby! The baby is not my flesh and blood! You are full of deceit Sara.” He looked into her eyes. Sara could see him fighting his tears.

“Lawson stop…you are hurting me…” Sara fell on her knees crying.

“You want to know what I’m thinking?” Lawson looked at her with disgust, “I’m thinking how on earth I’m going to stand seeing your deceitful face for the rest of my life.”

“Sara cried harder, “Don’t give up Lawson. So far I have a womb, I can still carry our baby…”

“I am not giving up on having my baby, I’m giving up on you.” Lawson turned around to leave.

“Lawson!” She held his feet, “I’m hurting too…”

He only dragged his feet from her hold and drove out of the house. She wept.

To be continued…

– Author Unknown

If a man makes a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth. – Numbers 30:2

You will succeed in Jesus' Name!

A Story about Integrity: Walking the Talk

 

This is a real-life story about Christian integrity.

A man was being tailgated by a stressed-out woman on a busy boulevard. Suddenly, the light turned yellow, just in front of him. He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.

The woman tailgating him hit the roof and the horn, screaming in frustration as she missed her chance to get through the intersection. She was still in mid-rant cursing and throwing tantrums when she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer.

The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in a cell.

After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.

He said, “I’m very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed the ‘What Would Jesus Do” bumper sticker, the ‘Follow Me to Sunday School‘ bumper sticker, and the chrome-plated fish emblem on the trunk. Naturally, I assumed you stole the car.”

— Author Unknown

Meditation: My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.- 1 John 3:18

You will succeed in Jesus' Name!

The Meaning of Unconditional Acceptance

 

I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college degree. The last class I had to take was Sociology. The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with. Her last project of the term was called “Smile.” The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions. I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway, so, I thought this would be a piece of cake, literally.

Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald’s one crisp March morning. It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son. We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden, everyone around us began to back away, and then even my husband did. I did not move an inch…an overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved.

As I turned around I smelled a horrible “dirty body” smell, and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men. As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was “smiling.” His beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God’s Light as he searched for acceptance. He said, “Good day” as he counted the few coins he had been clutching. The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was mentally deficient and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation. I held my tears as I stood there with them.

The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted. He said, “Coffee is all Miss” because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm). Then I really felt it-the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes.

That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me, judging my every action. I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray. I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman’s cold hand. He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, “Thank you.” I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, “I did not do this for you. God is here working through me to give you hope.” I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son.

When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, “That is why God gave you to me, Honey. To give me hope.” We held hands for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give.

That day showed me the pure Light of God’s sweet love. I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand. I turned in “my project” and the instructor read it. Then she looked up at me and said, “Can I share this?” I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class. She began to read and that is when I knew that we as human beings and being part of God, share this need to heal people and be healed. In my own way I had touched the people at McDonald’s, my husband, son, instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student.

I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn: unconditional acceptance.

Much love and compassion are to each and every person who may read this and learn how to love people and use things – not love things and use people.

Meditation: For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. – John 3:17

You will succeed in Jesus' Name!