In August of 2010 I had the opportunity to share a Biblical message of hope with a Saturday street ministry that I am involved in- Reach4Hope. It was a message of how God uses every difficulty that we come across to shape us, to make us into something beautiful for Him. I used beach glass as my analogy. I shared that we all come to the world broken, we all have sharp edges that can hurt others if we aren't careful, if we don't see His love amidst the pain. Yet, God takes us from this place of brokenness and wants to refine us. As we come upon difficulties with God's strength, he softens our edges, he shapes us like beach glass- we become beautiful...
A woman who was there listening approached me after. She had tears in her eyes and asked if I could email her my message, she wanted to encourage someone with it. I wasn't comfortable giving her my email address so I gave her the copy I spoke from. She pressed further that she needed encouragement from the Bible... I had a Bible there on the table... but I had things to do... I told her I would get them to her next time... Ugly, I know... She said she wasn't sure when she'd be back... I said okay, I would pray for her...
I was convicted as soon as I left that I hadn't taken more time with her. When I got home, I searched scriptures and wrote them on an index card for her. I stuck it in my car.... She wasn't there the next week... she wasn't there that whole month...
The next month I missed the Saturday she was there, but I heard she was on fire for God, and led the group in prayer. I smiled to hear that- but I also knew I missed an opportunity for God to use me in her life.
The first weekend in December she came back. I ran to my car and got the folded index card for her. "Scriptures for Jessica" was written across the top. She accepted it gratefully, but I felt a little silly since it'd been so long...
One month later... yesterday... Jessica was killed in a plane crash.
I know it's all God, and He ministered to Jessica despite my insensitivity that day. But I also know that He gives us opportunities- He lets us be a part of His story. He was gracious to me in allowing me to see Jessica last month and fulfill what had been put on my heart that I ignored 3 months prior.... He knew she wouldn't be here much longer.
That index card could have still been in my car yesterday, and I'm not saying it made any difference at all- but I am saying God gave me a second chance to reach out to her when I made the mistake and was "too busy" that first day. I am grateful for that second chance. I am grateful God lets me be a part of His work.
But I was also reminded tonight, there isn't always a "tomorrow" or a "next week."
God loves you, yes YOU- He would do anything for your love--- He did the unthinkable for our love. Follow His lead- there's nothing like it. It's what we're here for...
I have to say it today.
click here for full "Beach Glass" message
6 comments:
Aww Rachel, that's beautiful. And I love the beach glass message. I love you!
What a powerful testimony. Thank you so much for sharing once again. God has chosen to use you and - just as important - you have submitted yourself to him. The sea glass message has been shared around - I used it some time after you gave it. It was at Fuzzy's memorial service. It was such an inspiring image for me... Keep allowing God to use you!!!
love.you. as always, you inspire me...truly truly truly.
What a great reminder to always be ready to be used by God. This often requires margin, which is so counter-cultural....
Rachel - thank you for sharing about Jessica and how your lives intersected. We all need to be reminded that today may be all we have here on earth but an eternity in heaven awaits for those who give their hearts to Jesus. I was there the day Jessica led the prayer circle - she was amazing in her passion and enthusiasm encouraging others. You are a beautiful woman of God with a big heart for those in need. Blessings, Lorinda
Rachel, God is in control, even when we feel like we've could have done better. You are courageous to share your experience and to be open to see God at work.
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