Michael E. Wood
August 20-21, 2013
I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me
has really served to advance the gospel, Philippians 1:12
Though we in America
for the most part know very little about being literally in bonds or chains for
the sake of the gospel, we can learn from the experience of the apostle Paul
that God continues to be Sovereign over our own opportunities and experience.
My normal Wednesday morning schedule includes a Bible
study-worship time at a small assisted living facility called Abiding Care
which houses six residents. What had begun with visiting with one resident, a
former resident of Atria-El
Camino Gardens
Today was different. As I entered the dining area where we
meet, they had just finished breakfast, which was normal. One of the ladies
moved to a nearby couch which is more comfortable for her and listens from
there; still normal. But everyone else left. So there I am with the one at the
table with which this study began with an employee within ear shot doing some
cleaning in the kitchen. Not totally disheartened, we began by singing Amazing
Grace, read from Philippians 1: 1-12, had a time of prayer and then entered the
study focusing on verse 12. After about fifty minutes I noticed my one faithful
lady, Anne, had dropped her head and fallen asleep. Upon looking back at the
lady on the couch, she too had fallen asleep.
Though there have been times when we have continued for an
hour and a half, I realized it was time to come to a close for the day. Upon
touching Anne on the arm, she was very apologetic of which I assured her that
she was fine. I closed by reading a couple of quotes I found written by commentator B. C. Caffin
concerning the text, the poem recited below, and prayer.
“Example is better than precept. The sight of a suffering
saint, patient, contented, happy, does more to win souls than hundreds of
sermons. It is the visible proof of the power of Christ.”
“The gift of preaching is far inferior to the grace of
charity. The eloquent preacher may be ambitious, worldly, actuated by party
spirit, not by love of Christ.”
Nothing quite like this had ever happened in the year and a
half that I have been going to this facility and it resulted in me leaving
earlier than normal. While being a little baffled at what had taken place I
continued to my next stop.
The Eskaton in Carmichael
houses another former resident of Atria named Lucy of which we have had the
pleasure of meeting with for nearly two years. She was one of the first people we
met and the Lord has used her to open a number of gospel opportunities over the
years and today was just one example. As I walked down the hall toward her room
she was sitting outside in her wheel chair. Another lady named Doris was near by and asked who I was. Upon introducing
myself and telling her about our relationship with Lucy and that I would be
sharing some scripture and singing she accepted the invitation to join us. As I
began to sing Amazing Grace, Doris joined in. Another lady named Lou who was
sitting in her wheel chair not too far away joined in as well and rolled herself
closer to us. While opening the scriptures and singing another song we found
ourselves being joined by two men. So there we were in the hallway with an
opportunity to share the gospel of Christ with five of the residents which may
not have happened in the way that it did had I not been there at that exact
time. Yes, God is still Sovereign over our opportunities and experiences when
we trust and obey.
While driving back to our apartment I came to a stop at a
light behind a truck with a decal on the back window which said “Going Fishing”.
Jesus said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
He takes those things which seem distressing
To bring forth a richer blessing,
Turning all out for our good
Though far from us yet understood.
For though we may seem now deterred
By circumstance; His voice is heard
Proclaiming freedom through our bonds
To hearts He opens and responds
Unto the faithful gospel call
That Jesus Christ is Lord of all.
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