Henry’s Story

In the book Contagious Christian by Bill Hybles; he speaks of needing to see people with the eyes of Christ. To see them with the love and value that He places on each and every one of us. A value that is unaffected by where we live or how we live or even if we turn from him. If we can remember that then maybe we can begin to see with the eyes of Christ. And just maybe he will begin to give us a heart that in a small and imperfect way will begin to show His love to the people around us.

Several months back I had the opportunity to meet Henry. But at the time I didn’t consider it an opportunity. Because I did not see Henry with the eyes of Christ, but my own eyes. And what I saw was a crusty, angry and mean spirited old man.A man who tried to get in my face with his “stump” a stump where his leg was until recently. And my confession to you is that it bothered me a lot. I would feel ill at ease and look away. I spent several days with Henry while building a wheel chair ramp. It was at that time that he told me about how his family fulfilled their obligations but that they really didn’t like him. And he told me about how everything in his life was going wrong.

And slowly I began to see him with the eyes of Christ, as a frightened and lonely elderly man. A man now facing his own mortality and loss of control over his own body.

At the end of the last day he rolled down the ramp and up the street. While he was gone the Lord began to speak to my heart calling me to pray with Henry. In the 244 days I was there I prayed for Henry, I prayed for the project and even for myself. Henry and I had not spoken of any spiritual matters and I was afraid of looking like a fool when he said no my request to pray with him.

When Henry returned, with trembling hands and shaking knees I was obedient. I got down I one knee and prayed with Henry. Before I was through I noticed that my hands were getting wet. I looked up and this elderly gentleman was a river of tears. I asked him what was wrong and he replied in my life I have never felt loved by God until now.

What an Awesome God we have!!!

What if I had gotten in the way of God giving me one of the greatest gifts of my life. I would have had to drive my truck home instead of walking on the clouds.

When we are set free by the grace of God we are empowered to go forth and to be His hands and feet. I wonder if anyone here is just a little worried about messing up while sharing Gods message or maybe looking just a little foolish. Here’s a revelation God is big enough and has enough grace to take our screw ups and use them.