I was preaching a series of meetings in one of our small seaside villages, the
pastor wanted me to speak with a man that he could not convince to even come to
the church for any reason. The man's wife and children were very faithful to the
meetings. The gentleman operated a country store as a front for his true
business ventures which was every illegal vice that he could derive a dollar
from.
The pastor took me to the store and we purchased a soft drink and as I began to
engage the man in conversation, he quickly told me that he did not believe in
God and nothing I said would change his mind.
I said, "Sir I understand and will not bother you more". I reached out to shake
his hand and he automatically took my hand. Now he was a big man and so am I.
When I closed my hand over his I asked if I could I pray for him.
He blushed and with a little laugh said "Sure I guess it will be alright".
But I would not turn his hand a loose and I told him "I am going to ask God to
prove Himself to you". Then I prayed. "Dear God Mr. ________ does not believe
you exist, so dear God I am asking you to not let him sleep during this week of
revival meetings and prove to him that you are real and Lord if he does not come
to the meetings, so be it. But Lord please keep him awake all week. In Jesus
Name Amen".
I did not speak to him any more during the week. If we drove by his store I
would wave my hand and smile at him. The final night of services I was greeting
folks as they came into the church. Mr.__________ wife and children came in and
I inquired as to his health. This is what she replied. " I just know what is
wrong with____________, but he has stayed awake all week. He just cannot sleep."
I just smiled and asked her to promise to tell him I am still praying for him. I
have been told that the man became a Christian later, but I don't know for sure
if he did, at any rate he is dead now.
God's Holy Spirit draws men to do God's bidding even when they do not understand
and He draws men to the foot of the cross, to the place where they can see their
need and the answer to their need. However He does not force people to ask
forgiveness of Him, that must be on their free will.
James Avery
jamesaveryfwb@earthlink.net
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.