Today, my son and i are in Atlanta, Georgia, for live-and-in-person Major League Baseball. Though our Braves lost to the Yankees 5-1 in the first of a two-game challenge, all is still well.
Being together at professional ball diamonds has been our cherished daddy-and-son pastime for the past 25 years. We’ve had quite a fun run so far, approximately 30 MLB games to date. (Maybe tonight the Braves will even the score by beating the famous sluggers from the Bronx?)
As much as we enjoy baseball, no doubt the holy highlight happened today at lunch. Ever since we arrived i have sensed a strong impulsion to have a meal at a certain wings restaurant near our hotel. As we entered the establishment around noon, there she was. Yes, the young hostess was wearing a mask, yet one look into her sullen brown eyes and i sensed she was desperately hurting. Something about her demeanor was seemingly hopeless.
Immediately, Jesus began reaching for her in compassion through me. i knew the biggest reason we had driven south to Hotlanta this summer was surely for this encounter.
Her name is Angel. As she showed us to our table we had an especially unusual and deeply meaningful conversation while pent up tears streamed nonstop down her cheeks. Before leaving we would have two more tender talks and many more tears. She shared her story with Grayson and me and we prayerfully embraced before leaving. Jesus was so undeniably present.
Please pray for Angel from Atlanta. She’s been having nightmares about an upcoming date on her calendar. Let me just say, "Monday will be a big day for her life." She is only 25 years old and she needs new mercy from the God Who formed her and Who is for her. It was all to obvious that we were sent presently into her precious life to encourage her and to remind her "God is not mad at her. God is mad about her!"
The final words i said to Angel were these: "If we never meet again here -- and we probably won’t -- please promise i will find you in Heaven." She promised. Then, i said, "There will be many angels in Heaven, but i will be looking for Angel from Atlanta!" Her parting smile was so full of hope! Unbelievable how her countenance transformed from seemingly hopeless to surely hopeful in an hour.
Prayer: Dearest Jesus, i am so humbled and grateful that You would entrust us to be found "showing up" presently in Angel’s broken life, so You could be found "showing off" personally as her restoring Lord. i am a great and grateful debtor. Even now, i intercede for this cherished soul, Angel from Atlanta, asking that Your mercy will continue to renew everyday in her life, especially as this coming Monday approaches and then beyond. Turn her scary nightmares into Your splendid dreams. Amen and Amen.
Presence Matters Most!
No Invisible People!
Pastor Kerry Willis
Added note: On the way to the ballpark later in the day, i sensed the Lord leading me back to the restaurant to tell Angel i had asked my friends to pray for her. Her smile enlarged as her hope expanded. Thanks prayer partners. In Eternity we will get the rest of the story. To God be the glory.
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