He’s Not Done With Us Yet

There we were, an unlikely-looking pair, sitting in a booth across from each other at a local cafeteria.

I met this friend years ago, and from the moment we shared our first conversation, God opened a place in my heart for him. A “brotherly love” kind of place. It was one I didn’t understand at the time, but was one I couldn’t ignore.

He was a lost and searching soul, trying to understand a God he didn’t really know. But we would talk about deep stuff like God’s sovereignty and love, Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, and how all of this fit into our lives personally. He would ask questions that would take me deeper in my faith and knowledge of scripture to show him truth. I marveled at how God would always give me His words.

This wasn’t a one-way street, however, as God used this friend to minister to me. One day in particular is still vivid in my memory. He left the building upset, and as minutes passed, I couldn’t shake the feeling he was going to do something to hurt himself. I drove until I found him a few blocks away. As I read between the lines after picking him up, I became thankful I followed that “hunch” and found him. It was clear God was unfolding in front of me opportunities that weren’t going to remain in the four walls of the ministry I was familiar with.

So, there we were, three months after I left that ministry. I’m sure we looked like opposite ends of the spectrum, if you consider attire and attitude. But none of that mattered. This was the second time we met for coffee. In front of me was a different man than when we met a month ago. His language had changed. His demeanor had changed. He mentioned how he was angry at God. As I sat and listened, I was throwing up silent prayers, asking God to touch and soften his heart. His addiction seemed to be on the winning end of the battle he’s in, at least for now.

I couldn’t help but have compassion on him. Again, God gave me the words. And again, God encouraged me in this friend’s presence… He’s not done with me yet. 

We finished our coffee, and agreed to meet again soon.

I will continue to pray for my friend. I was reminded again…

— If we’re still on this earth, God’s not done with us yet. —

May we be aware of the opportunities He puts in front of us–over coffee or somewhere else–to encourage another on their journey. And we’ll end up being the ones encouraged!

Blessings!
Julie