A number of months ago, my wife and I learned of the tragic story about a young
man, 26 years of age with a wife and two young children, who had unexpectedly
died while at work. This man of faith, whom I had the pleasure of speaking with
twice, turned out to be the younger brother of our current next-door neighbor.
Although my wife and I knew very little about our neighbor, we did know her to
be part of a very tight-knit, loving family. No doubt her loss was a difficult
one. Of course, my wife and I had offered our sympathy and support, in the way
of food and cards; however, time had passed since news of the loss, and we had
not seen my neighbor in quite some time.
Last night, I saw our neighbor entering her house, and I began to think how
difficult the loss must be now that all of the cards and words of encouragement
have slowed or ceases. I felt a strong need to make contact with her and offer
further comfort, but I did not quite know how. It all seemed so awkward.
So, on a whim, I said a prayer.
"God, I am sorry I have not fully offered and shown the compassion and support
to my neighbor which you offer and show to me each and every day. God, I am not
quite sure how to make contact with my neighbor, since we have not spoken in a
while. Please encourage me to overcome this awkwardness and provide for me a way
to approach her."
The next day, I went to check our mailbox. In the mailbox was a small package,
but it was not addressed to my wife or me. The address was not even the address
to our home. I was amazed when I studied the label. The name and address was
that of my neighbor. My neighbor's mail had been placed into our mailbox.
Through the eyes of the world, this may be called a simple error. But through
the eyes of faith, this was another perfect delivery from God. So now, I hold
this package in my hand, and I hold assurance in my heart that God answers
prayer. And more importantly, I know where I am going. I am heading out the door
to visit my neighbor, to offer her God's comfort... and her mail.
"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything
according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us--whatever we
ask-we know that we have what we asked of him." - 1 John 5:14-15
Contributed by Chris Lewis
clewis@northstate.net
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