GOD SURPRISED ME
NKJV | Ps 126:1 When the LORD brought back the captivity of Zion, We were like those who dream. 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” 3 The LORD has done great things for us, And we are glad.
God surprised me today. And it is beyond my imagination. I attended the annual prayer breakfast sponsored by KFAX Christian radio today at Marriot Hotel in Fremont. I went with my wife, Alice. During the registration process, we were given raffle tickets. Oftentimes when these raffles were done, I don’t take it seriously. I have always assumed that the organizers have predetermined who the winner or winners of the raffles are going to be. As such, I have never taken them seriously.
But there is something different in today’s event. It started as usual with an inspiring worship by Mark Kenoly and Kingdom Voices. For those who listen to Christian music a lot, you will notice something peculiar with that last name. In fact, out of curiosity, I spoke to Mark Kenoly to confirm what I am sharing here. Ron Kenoly, the popular Christian Musician, is the senior brother of Mark Kenoly. I spoke to him at length after the event, and he said he will like to have a concert in our church sometimes soon. I am not sure, if he knew the size our church. I think since the limelight was on me at the end of the event, some people might think that I pastor a very big church. Well? We should never despise the days of small beginnings. Agape will become a great church in God’s own time. I still believe that the best days of Agape are yet to come.
After the Guest speaker, the President of Focus on the Family, spoke, it was time to pick up the raffles. There is only one gift to be raffled today. It is a gift of free Holy Land Travel for two people to Israel. All expenses paid for by International Christian Journeys, the donor of the gift. Everyone was curious as to who will win this. The first number was called, but unfortunately for the person, he or she had left the event as of that time. The question was raised by Ron Walters of KFAX radio if such a gift can be given to someone who is absent. But there was a resounding “NO” from all pastors. Then another number was called. This time around, I was calling each of the numbers on my ticket ahead of the man. And as it pleased God, the number called was my raffle ticket number. I could not believe my ears and my eyes. I was just like the writer of the 126th Psalm that states that his people were like dreamers when the Lord restored those captives in Babylon back to Zion.
I said wow. I got up from my seat and went up to the front. I still could not believe it. All eyes were on me. There were camera flashes beaming on me from every angle of the huge ball room. Then God made me a star at that very hour. On getting to the front, Ron Walters gave me a test which would determine if I win or not. The answer to the question was simple and straight forward. I passed it. I was handed the gift. Pictures were taken. I heard a loud noise of joy from the crowd. As I left the stage going back to my seat, I asked Ron Walters: “What is in the gift package?” He just told me: “Bye”.
On arrival at my seat, people came to congratulate me from every part of the ball room. Then Ken Carter of International Christian Journeys which donated the gift came to ask for my business card. He gave me his card also. Then he informed me that he will be in touch with me soon to give me the details. It is just like I have become a celebrity among these pastors. It was at this moment that I realized that many of the pastors in the crowd know me. Some of them came to greet and congratulate me afterward.
Earlier in the day, we joked a lot with each other on our table when most of us were given double desserts. I remembered saying that some of received “double favor” and “double grace”. It is actually a double grace. By the grace of God, my wife and I will be going to Israel next year. The flight, hotel, food, and some other expenses are paid for in full. This can only happen by God’s grace. It is the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our sight. To God alone is the glory.
Not too long ago, my wife and I contemplated on the possibilities of going to Israel. But due to several economic challenges that we face, we did not see it happening until our kids are out of college. But God will make our dream to come true in His own way and His own time. When God’s favor is available for you, God will make it to locate you and find you by His grace. And any obstacle that stands on your way in realizing your dream will be absent on the day that God’s favor will be bestowed on you. It is a lesson that I just learned.
John
Brentwood, CA 94513
November 3, 2011
