August 13 – “God stories”

I heard some fascinating God stories this past weekend.  Wildly different occurrences from all walks of life, but all were attributed to some connection with God.  The first was that guy I visited in the hospital.  He had a few stories to tell.  One was about the time he survived a serious car wreck where the front seat of the car ended up in the back seat.  He has no idea how he made it through that one.  The other one, though had more of an impact on him.  He was driving a suburban out in the middle of nowhere with his little girl.  It was late at night and he was very tired.  She asked if she could crawl in the back and go to sleep, so he agreed.  He set the cruise control on 70 and continued on and on and on.  He has no idea how long he was asleep, but suddenly he felt a jolt of electricity beginning in the back of his neck and traveling down to his leg.  He jerked awaked just in time to see his car coming to a stop mere inches from another one stopped at a stop light in a little town.  He looked down at his feet and neither of them was on the brake.  His daughter woke up about that time and asked if everything was OK.  “Everything’s fine.”  Changed his life. 

A lady visited church Sunday with her grandson.  He wants to be baptized in the Gulf, so they will be setting that up soon with his Mom.  This lady shared with me that she had been confined to a wheelchair for seven years in chronic pain from five different types of arthritis and myalgias.  She was miraculously healed while watching a television show with her husband.  Very sweet lady.  She even anointed me with oil and prayed for me.  Then she did the same for Mom. 

In the same group of visitors was a couple who are multi-millionaires.  The two have personally given away untold millions to Houston Baptist University and to churches all over Texas.  Very laid-back, down-home folks.  Fit in well at Seaside. 

Then there was the guy who didn’t get to church in time for the service, but he stuck around and talked to some of our folks for a long time afterward.  He was living in his truck and just wanted a place where he felt welcome.  He even declined when someone invited him to lunch.  He had a job.  All he wanted was a place that accepted him and loved him.  At least for a time yesterday, I think he found it. 

Psalms 20:7 says, “Be exalted, O Lord, in your strength; we will sing and praise your might.”

 
Father, touch each of those folks we saw this weekend just where they most need you.  Amen.