StoriesAboutGod.org

As a working manager at a manufacturing firm, I try to listen to where the guys that work for me are in their faith. One of the guys, Mark, and I had numerous discussions regarding his faith in Jesus. I particularly remember him telling me about a funeral he had to go to, and that it was going to be “one of those difficult ones” because he didn’t think they had any faith in God and didn’t live their life very well.

Probably about 6 months later, over a holiday weekend, Mark was going to a family reunion. The Monday before he was to return, I got a call to come to the production office. As I walked in, I noticed several of the other managers gathered, with the HR department head as well. When I closed the door, my boss said, “Mark died in his sleep last night”. For a split-second, it felt like the earth dropped on top of me, but almost as quickly, a thought told me, “I know where Mark is!” He had his share of ups and downs, but had started going to his Lutheran church regularly again, bringing his two boys, approx 10 years and 16 years.

The following Saturday, I attended his funeral at his church. Apparently Lutherans take/are given a bible verse at their confirmation. Mark’s was about casting your burdens on the Lord, that He will carry you… I believe Psalm 55:22?. The Pastor talked about how Mark was living that in his life. The sermon was beautiful (at least as beautiful as possible considering the circumstances), and for the first time I met Mark’s family, a family with very strong faith.

The next day, when I went to my church, at some point during the worship music, I went up to the altar to pray, feeling very emotional, my mind whirling about the previous days events. I just started praying God would give a message during the service. The youth pastor went up to the podium to give some announcements…he paused for a few seconds. I prayed even more for God to give us a message. The youth pastor gave another announcement, then paused again. This time I looked up on the platform, and saw a woman in the choir with tears flowing down her cheeks. For the first time in my life, I knew there was a message from God in her, and I prayed for God to let the message out. Finally, after another announcement, and another pause, she spoke a message, almost saying verbatim what the Lutheran pastor said during the sermon the day before! I just felt such a confirmation about all that was said the day before.

That night, I dropped off my daughter in the gym for youth group, and since we were early, decided to go into the sanctuary for some quiet time alone with God (something unusual for me). The sanctuary was dark, and there was someone playing the piano. A woman’s voice asked if she should stop- I said no, that was very beautiful and relaxing. I listened and prayed for about 45 minutes, then decided to go back to the gym. I walked up to tell her “thanks for the free concert”...she asked my name, and I told her and asked hers- we had never met, but as I got closer I saw it was the woman who gave the message in the morning service. I told her what it meant to me- she said, she knew she had a message, but was praying for God to use someone else! I had never heard the other side of what it was like having that feeling; it was just an amazing thing to run into her that evening.

Regardless of what you think about the differences in churches, I learned a couple things-
Since I would never want to miss a message like this from God, I will always look to go to a Spirit-filled church…but also clearly was shown God inspires His people in all of His churches. We are all His children, and He will be there with us when we need Him!!!