The Messenger

*This post was written a couple of years ago. I decided to share it again for two reasons. I love reading about a stressful time in my life that ended up turning out well- a great reinforcer that builds my faith- and also, hopefully, it will give encouragement to those who are in the middle of a stressful situation presently. As my Momma says, (and Jesus said it before her ) "...And this too, shall pass."

For the last few months, we have been experiencing financial problems. Probably not unlike the rest of Americans, and I'm certain we are better off than many throughout the world, but it has been a very difficult time for us. Beginning with a series of unfortunate events; the economy's effect on car sales (Big AL's income), and my job ending at the car lot,and Big Al's Motorcycle wreck that introduced more bills and a loss of work for a short time. Because I am not the one who handles our bills, it is much easier for me to bury my head in the sand and choose to remain oblivious about our situation....not as easy for my husband, on whom the financial burden lies.

It was getting really scary here lately and although I was beginning to fear what would be around the corner for us, God sent a messenger to us. Not to bring us money,or to help us meet any physical need we have, but to speak to our souls- calm our fears, and let us know that He is looking out for us and He will provide for our needs.

I hesitated to share this story here-but I think I need to.



The Messenger

I was home, beginning to worry a bit about Big Al, because he was about an hour late for supper. I had carefully planned a meal around the staples we had in the cabinets, trying to stretch a dollar while creating something warm and appetizing on a cold, rainy fall evening. The spaghetti dinner was still warming on the stove, when my neighbor arrived to show me a new outfit she had purchased to wear to a special occasion.

We talked about her recent weight loss and her daughter's Senior Night at the volleyball game and shared some laughs, but all the while, I was still wondering where my husband was and why he had not called me to tell me he would be late.

My front door flew open, and entering was one of my sons. He was looking for a bag of clothes I had washed for him (I know, I know- I still help them out when I can).
I yelled to him from the other room that I had already sent them home with his brother. (They both live about 1 block away.)

In the next moment, Big AL came in and non-chalantly says, "I need some clothes...we have a homeless guy out here and he's soaking wet."

My neighbor and I exchanged wide eyed glances as Big AL goes upstairs, grabs some clothes, hands them to my son , who leaves with the homeless man.

Now, just to insert here, I live in a very small community and homelessness is not common here. But there was also a double homicide committed in my hometown only days before, and the suspects were still at large, so I think I joined with others in my community feeling nervous to reach out to a stranger. especially one needing shelter. Now this stranger was leaving with my son.


After they left, Big AL sat down with a plate of spaghetti and explained:

"I was about ready to leave the car lot, and this guy comes up- in his twenties- soaking wet and looked scared to death. Says he's from California, been on a bus for three days (hasn't eaten in the same)and was supposed to meet a part of his family in Marion and he never found them. They live in West Frankfort, but he didn't meet up with them. He had their name but no address and the phone number was not a working number. He went to the Police Dept. and they said they do not give out addresses and could not help him. He walked from Marion to West Frankfort (about 15 miles) in the rain to try to find them, with no luck. He stopped to ask if our town has a homeless shelter (we do not) so he could spend the night and return tomorrow to Marion to meet up with his family.

Big AL said the young man looked scared to death , so he offered to get him some clean , dry clothes and he'd find him a place to stay. He said, "I just don't want anybody messing with me." Big AL assured him we were all harmless, but my son was a Cage Fighter- just to warn the guy- in case HE had bad intentions. He brought him to our home after stopping off at the local Dairy Queen to get him something to eat. He called my son who said he would give him some more clothes and he could spend the night with him, but he was on his way to a Bible Study, so the guy would have to come along.

The evening went off without incident, and the next day my son drove him around looking for the home the man couldn't find the day before. They had no luck so they went back to Marion to find more help there. My son left him in capable hands with people that could help him find his way to relatives.


Now, here's the part about THE MESSENGER and how God used this incident to calm our fears about things totally unrelated....or so we thought.

Hebrews 13:2 "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it."

I've heard this scripture since I was a child. I have it memorized. But on this day, I saw a completely different meaning while I was studying the words.

Did you know that the word "Angels", in the original Greek translation used here, is the very same word used in other scriptures by many Christians when referring to themselves or other believers when God had sent them to deliver a message- as "Messengers of God." It was not necessarily referring to an angelic being, but someone who has been sent with a message from God.

With that in mind, I questioned, "What message then did this man have for us?"

Instantly, this thought came to my mind.

"If He would watch over a man all the way from California- and bring him directly to the doorstep of my husband (out of all the other businesses he could have chosen to stop for help)and meet his need for food, clothing and shelter and even meet his spiritual need, I can rest assured that He is making a way for us- when there seems to be no way."

Yes, this was a messenger- his message was a reminder for us to trust- trust the one who created us- to also meet our needs regardless of what means or who He uses or how He chooses to bless us.

We are blessed. With peace. Peace that is priceless.

Thank you God for your messenger. Bless him.



I found this song that so beautifully illustrates His provision for us.