God's Favor
Saturday a.m. -- snow was falling with a forecast of a lot more to come. My brother Ken has not had a good night. We discussed the situation and decided a twin-bed was needed on the main floor.
Down the hill I went in Ken's suburban in search of a bed. How could I make it happen without spending much money? A frame from the Salvation Army store would be a beginning. While the store was not yet open, a worker shared that a frame was available.
Having thirty minutes before the doors would open, I headed to CVS pharmacy to pick up needed medicine. Bill and Pam Waller, parishioners of Covenant, were going in the door. We greeted each other. They asked why I was out so early. I shared that I was going to get a bed. "Oh," they said, "We have a twin-bed we will give to you."
We agreed that later I would drive to their home some twenty miles away to get the bed. Off I ran to see Dr. Schmunk -- a parishioner soon to be with the Lord. "A quick biscuit from Hardees and a cup of orange juice would help," I thought.
Walking into Hardees, I noticed two men who were eating. One of them, a parishioner from Covenant, cheerfully greeted me: "Hi, Pastor Bare!" I slowed and turned to greet them. They were curious why I was out in the snow.
I said to them, "Let me tell you how the Lord provides"; therewith flowed the story about the Wallers, a bed, and my intentions to go to Greene County.
The gentleman I did not know replied, "You do not have to go to Greene County. I have four twin-beds in my truck outside. I will give you one. Thereupon, we received a never opened frame and mattress and box spring.
If Salvation Army store had been open, I would have had a frame, but nothing more. If Salvation Army store had been open I would not have gone to CVS at that moment, thus I would have missed the Wallers. If I had missed the Wallers I would not have had the story of the Wallers to tell at Hardees. If I had not told about the Wallers at Hardees there would have been no reason to share the need of a bed.
Oh, the plan would have come together in time. But with the Lord's favor, it took but minutes for what could/would have taken much longer, not to mention that God's favor required no expense.
That brings me to another story. Mom came from North Carolina to see Ken and visit. Her car had a problem. Harold Haga, only 78 years old, jacked it up in the church parking lot, checked until he said, "Left front caliper."
Off to a tire store (no name mentioned). They checked the car and called me to say, "Caliper, etc., the cost will be $810.00."
"Ma'am", I replied, that is enough money to be buying stock in New York. Thank you. I will pick it up."
The analysis had cost $40. Off to the parts store I went and picked up all the possible parts to repair the car. From there I went to Ruckersville Auto Clinic -- friends who have been kind to me and to many of our parishioners. When they called for us to pick up the car, the total cost of parts and labor was $339, for a savings of $471!
Yes, it is true; you are reading a church bulletin. You are looking for a sermon. You wonder why I am writing about a bed and brakes.
Once more, let me try to explain. On our mission trip in January, our plane left Bangladesh late and arrived in Hong Kong late. That was to be the longest day of traveling of our entire 22,000 mile trip. However, when we arrived in Hong Kong agents were standing by and directing us to exit the airport and proceed directly to a five star hotel. At 3 a.m., we went to bed in a commodious suite and slept till 6 a.m. We enjoyed an incredible buffet breakfast at no expense to us. Then refreshed, we continued on to the Philippines.
My Friend, how do I share with you the unfathomable benefits of walking in faith and good conscience that brings the Lord's favor? How do I convince you that when God favors you, He can make Cyrus the King fund the rebuilding of Jerusalem, Pharaoh supply the Israelites for the trip home, and provide people in Caesar’s palace who finance the ministry of the Early Church?
How do I convince you that your faithfulness in obedience to God brings more blessings than all your hard work? How do I convince you that to end the day and put your head to the pillow knowing God's favor is upon you is the best of the best!
My prayer is that you will live in God's favor!
Pastor Bare
Jeremiah 29:11