Walking down Manly corso – “Hey mate, can you tell me how far it is to Melbourne?”
Never one for a straight answer – “Well probably a bit far to walk”.
We get to talking. He not looking for directions for Melbourne as much as directions for life:
James is touristing the world for a month. He’s not drunk, not mental, not miserable, quite normal. His wife has recently left him. He is escaping a cocaine addiction. But he, just today, on the beach of Manly, has come to the conclusion that he is hopelessly miserable. He’s tried booze, drug, prostitutes. Nothing fulfills him. He needs a change. A life saving change. He’s negative. He’s 38, and he doesn’t want to die; well, not just yet. But he knows that is the path he is on: more drugs, more bad health, more misery, death.
We chat. He needs to turn his life around. He wants to turn his life around. He wants to think positive. His eyes brighten as we envisage positives. He gains hope. He wants life. Invite Jesus into his life. I encourage him to research the man: did he really exist? who did he say he was? who do you think he was?
Nothing is a coincidence. Thanks God for my little part in your play of James’ life. Fill and strengthen him with your spirit. See that he joins with us in your heaven.
