“But many who are first shall be last, and many who are last shall be first.” Matthew 19:30
Vernon
Walk His Way Revisited
I’m driving home from another night of ministry at the Good News Rescue Mission and I’m thinking about that movie, “Bruce Almighty” where God gives Bruce temporary power to answer prayers, and Bruce ends up saying yes to everyone’s prayers, causing much havoc around the world. Good thing I’m not in Bruce’s shoes. I think I would pretty much be like Bruce, wanting to give everyone everything that they ask for.
Now I’m remembering my conversation with Vernon (not his real name) at the mission.
Vernon is a sweet friendly guy, but has seen better days. His once good looks have faded, his thick shock of dark hair is streaked mostly with gray, and he is missing most of his upper teeth. I know a life of drugs and alcohol can make a person old before their time—I don’t know how old Vernon is, but I have a feeling that he is younger than he looks. Vernon is not deterred by his lack of teeth, and his big smile reveals the joy within, now that he’s found Jesus. His thick southern drawl is a dead giveaway to his Missouri roots, and he says that he and his wife found themselves in Redding about four years ago looking for work. Finding a job can be hard for someone who looks like Vernon, and he and his wife have mostly had to live on the streets, spending their time at the Mission when they are allowed.
He says he spends a lot of time talking to other people on the streets, trying to get them to give up the alcohol and drugs and get high on Jesus instead. Most get angry and tell him to get lost, but he doesn’t take it personally since he used to have that same attitude himself. My heart goes out to Vernon and I put my hand on his shoulder and pray for him, asking God to provide him with some desperately needed work. I wish I could just wave my hand and provide a job for him, like Bruce Almighty would have, but God in His infinite wisdom is doing a work in Vernon and knows just what he needs right now. We talk about how God always provides for His children; Vernon assures me he does have faith that God will provide for him what he needs.
I don’t know if I will see Vernon again, since our church ministers only one evening a month at the Mission, and many of the people come and go. But as I am driving home, I plead desperately with God not to let Vernon down, but that He will see to it that he finds work so that he and his wife don’t have to live on the streets.
My own faith is tested when I see the desperate needs of these sweet, humble people who attend worship services at the Mission. Vernon may not possess much in the eyes of the world, but I have a feeling that he and many like him will have a much higher place of honor at the banquet table of Jesus than many of us who feel so well accomplished and successful here and now.
I know, God, that Your ways are not the ways of the world, that You see things with different eyes than we do. I thank You that in Your infinite wisdom you are working non-stop to accomplish Your divine purposes in us. I know Vernon is in good hands with You, and as a loving Father, You will take care of his needs.