I wrote a song a few years back titled "More Than A Second Chance". Though that songs reflects the thought that God gives us more than a second chance when we fail, I was reminded a couple of weeks ago that God also gives us second chances in the natural world, where we sometimes miss an important opportunity to minister to someone in need. Let me explain. We were blessed to be a part of Southern Gospel Fan Fair in Chattanooga, TN a couple of weeks ago but the highlight of the week came on Friday morning. Let me back up to Thursday so that you understand why Friday was so great. Thursday night was awards night and Brian Free ran away with most every award he was nominated for. He deserved them to say the least! LOL. We were honored to sing on main stage Thursday night and we invited our dear friend Ernie Dawson to sing "My Home" with us. It was the highlight of our week or so we thought.
After the concert that night my wife and I were walking to our hotel which was about 4 blocks away and while walking a homeless lady in her mid 30's approached us asking for money. We didn't have any on us and so we told her good night and we walked on. After walking away my heart began to burn within me. I didn't say one word about Jesus to her. Money wouldn't have changed her life but Jesus would have. I began to think "I wish I could have another chance to talk to her". I just knew that I had missed a valuable opportunity to witness to someone.
Friday morning came and we were holding a special showcase at the convention center highlighting many of our up and coming friends in Southern Gospel music. The Oxendines, Living Waters Trio, Sunday Edition, Eternal Vision, Higher Ground, Reign Song, The Diggles Family and The Joyful Heirs all sang that morning. While Higher Ground was singing I looked over and leaning up against the wall was a young girl in her 30's. I thought to myself "I know her". Keith Oxendine of the Oxendines noticed that she was crying and that she seemed to be under conviction. I went over to her and introduced myself and she said "I know you...you met me on the streets last night". I was just in shock. God had brought this lady into our showcase...somehow, someway, God led her here. It was a second chance to tell her about Jesus.
Keith and I invited her outside and we began to talk to her about the Lord. She explained how that she had dropped out of school in the 10th grade and that she had been living on the streets for the past 3yrs. Her arms was scared up from attempted suicide and she explained how that she wrestled with hearing voices in her head. Some would say that she was just crazy but Keith and I both knew that she needed to be delivered from Satan. We ask a dear friend of ours Margie Tanner to come and pray with her. After much prayer this homeless lady that I thought I would never see again gave her heart to God. Glory to God! SGM Fan Fair put her up in a hotel where she could clean up and hooked her up with a pastor in Chattanooga that would help her get on her feet spiritually and physically. The whole purpose for us being at Fan Fair was for this lady. Remember that God is always working around us. We just have to go work where he is working.
I want to encourage you to always be aware of your surroundings and as Donna Beavais has said her April letter, lets not get so busy that we miss the opportunity for God to use us to reach a hurting world. Remember that if you do miss it hopefully God will give you a second chance. In the words of one of my favorite songs by Jessica of Hopes Call "I want to be used to make a change, In Jesus Name."
Thanks brother,
Curtis Hagy
Brothers Forever
423-292-5989
http://www.brothersforever.net
Author: SGN
| Author's Website: http://sogospelnews.com/
Written: 05/01/2007
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Category: Brothers Forever
Comments: 0
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