Over the past year, I have joined a small group of university professors in an incredible discussion of the book “Sent,” by Heather and Ashley Holleman. It has prompted some thoughtful conversation, including Jesus’ prompt to look up and see the people around us. ( John 4:35)
Last winter, I faced a crisis, but the Holy Spirit prompted me to “look up.”
On a frigid night, I experienced the reality of critical household mechanicals breaking down at the worst possible time! The temperature outside dropped below zero, and my home grew very cold.
Several colleagues had loaned me portable heaters that I strategically placed around the house. After some time, the house was no warmer, and I grew gravely concerned about the water pipes freezing. I called my husband (again), who encouraged me to call for emergency service.
About 8 p.m., a service man drove up. I was so relieved. I walked him downstairs to the furnace where he busied himself with bangs and clangs, searching for the problem. A few minutes later, he was back upstairs. He found the culprit – a broken something or other. He laid out two game plans; 1) fix tonight – big cost or 2) wait until Monday, smaller cost, very long, cold weekend. I had no choice – it had to be game plan #1.
In the book “Sent,” we learned that God used teeth grinding and neighborhood dogs for His purposes. Could He also be using a busted furnace? I wanted to find out.
Though despairing, I determined to share Jesus and some hot coffee and cookies with this God-sent helper. I learned this man’s name was Bill and that he loved the Lord. Go figure! As I determined to share the gospel, God sent me someone who already knew Jesus! As I waited and prayed, I heard more clanging and banging and was relieved God sent a brother-in-Christ to my home that night!
Forty-five minutes later, Bill came up; the part he had tried to install was the wrong one! Bill had one more idea. He called Joe, a colleague in town; Joe had the correct part, and he would come over!
I knew God was pleased with my obedience to look up and see the opportunities that he “sent.” But I think he also laughed lovingly at my surprise over His way to solve my “problem.” Joe soon arrived, and by 11 p.m. my furnace was running smoothly and warming the house.
Our God is so good! His plans are not my plans, nor are his ways my ways. That cold night, he used my broken furnace to provide spiritual refreshment to three of his children (yes, Joe too). God provided money in their pockets, heat in my house, and the joy of really seeing the people God brought into my path.
Cheryl Irish
Shawnee State University