Proverbs 16:9 (New International Version)
9 In his heart a man plans his course,
but the LORD determines his steps.
I was writing on my book today and came to a particular section that caused me to pause and pray. While I knew the angle I wanted to go for I didn’t really know what example to use to help illustrate the point being made. The section was on how there isn’t a single person on this planet who isn’t interesting and worth investing in. So, I prayed that the Lord would show me the example to write about. I have met a lot of people. But, within a minute I got a call from a friends mother who was very worried about him. He has a substance abuse problem. I met him through a mutual friend over six years ago and since then we have had a rocky friendship but I do consider him a good friend.
After I got off the phone with his Mom, I looked up and said, “Thanks Lord. ” I started writing about the history of this friendship and all the good that I see in him. But, wait a minute … why am I writing this and not going to actually check in on him? I think I need to go and practice what I am trying to preach!
I had tried to call him a few weeks ago but he didn’t respond which usually means he is on a binge. Otherwise he is very conscientious to return phone calls. However, today when I tried to call I found out his phone had been disconnected. I got in my car and headed toward his home which is only about five miles away. After knocking a couple of times I heard him shuffling around inside but he wouldn’t answer. So I kept knocking. Then I thought I heard a soft thud and wondered, “did he just go out the back door?” I knocked a couple more times and then decided to go ahead and go home. He obviously didn’t want visitors.
I got back in my car and headed out of the condo complex he lives in but instead of turning right to get to the light, I believe the Lord said to go straight and turn left down a different driveway. Literally, I *heard* … had the thought … whatever … “he’s down there.” So I followed the impulse and lo and behold who was walking up the backside of the complex? It was him.
I pulled up and rolled the window down. He came to the window wet and disheveled because of the rain from Tropical Storm Fay. He said, “Well, you look nice.” I said, “get in the car and let’s go to dinner.” He got in and said, “Why did you come down this way?” I said, “The Lord told me you were down here.” He laughed lightly and said with dilated pupils and alcohol on his breath, “I want to tell you that I don’t want to talk to you.” I said,”Ok, you don’t have too.”
So, naturally, he talked all the way through dinner.
First thing he did when we sat down was call his Mom on my cell phone and let her know he was alive. I didn’t share much during the conversation over dinner. The Lord told me to keep quiet. But he, my friend I will call Fred, asked, “So, why did you do this?” I told him about the afternoon’s events concerning where I am in the book, needing an example, praying, his mom calling and how that reminded me of all the good things about him that the Lord had showed me over the years. I told him that it just occurred to me to get away from my computer and come check on him in person. He sat and thought quietly for a few minutes.
Then Fred asked, “Do you think I am prideful?” I said, “yes, we all are to …” he interrupted, “it’s a survival mechanism.” And I responded right back with “… a survival mechanism that is killing you.” Then with one eyebrow arched and exaggerated facial expression of one who just discovered something grand I said “a survival mechanism that kills … you know that’ll preach!” He laughed and said, “that one will have to be in the book.” I said, “you got it Fred!” He understood immediately that I had renamed him Fred and he had a good laugh over it.
I told “Fred” that I and a lot of other people love him. I briefly encouraged him to take one of his options that he told me he had concerning a rehab program. I offered to help in any way I could but mostly just listened to him.
Now, I am not writing this to indicate any sort of piousness on my part. I have no righteousness of my own. I am actually pretty selfish. Whatever is good from today’s events is truly of the Lord’s doing 100%. I am writing this because more likely than not there are people who read this blog who have their own “Fred’s.” Maybe they need to stop what they are doing and go check in on their friend. As I experienced, once again, it’s not enough to know and say the right things … get up and go do it.
Or maybe you are a Fred that needs to deal with pride and allow others to love and help you … maybe?
My plan for the day included a writing goal but the Lord ordained a different course of action that inspired a prayer, brought peace to a mother’s heart, really encouraged me and hopefully brought encouragement and direction to Fred.
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