11/18/14 Complain or Proclaim, Our Choice

11/18/14 Complain or Proclaim, Our Choice

Years ago I watched a teenager skateboard down a steep hill. I drove to the bottom of the hill and when I started back to the top, I asked the skateboarder if he would like a ride. He said yes, and grabbed the door handle of my car. (Yes, I went very slowly).

At the top of the hill I talked with him about Christ and invited him to church. When he showed up at church I recognized him and called him "skateboard." His name was Robert.

Robert became involved with our church and got saved. He was a high school athlete, highly respected and loved.

At a senior class outing Robert was paralyzed in a vehicle accident. It even looked like he may die because of his injuries. Great numbers of students were concerned and came to the church because he had been inviting them. They visited him in the hospital and his home. He never lost the joy of Jesus during the whole time. Eventually he was able to come back to church.

There was a great number of young people who had started attending because of his positive, Spirit filled witness. So many young people came from the Catholic Church that a priest came to investigate. I saw him sit at the back of the sanctuary wearing his clerical collar and as usual I preached a strong message of salvation and God gave us an outstanding service. As the Roman priest left the service he shook my hand and introduced himself. I told him I was glad that he came. He said he came because he was concerned about his young people and wanted to know what they were getting involved in. He thanked me for what I was doing for the youth and wished us well.

Even though he was a Christian, Robert's life was completely changed by a tragedy, yet he remained faithful and joyful and he continued to be a strong witness for Christ.

It is easy to be a complainer, but that does not show the power of Jesus and it does not lead anyone to salvation. Not everything that happens to us is good, but all things work together for good, and we should praise Him in everything.