I was walking down the street earlier today, and ran into an old friend. We used to work together some, when my Dad had his business. He is the same age I am. Yet, his life has been very, very different than mine. He was raised in a really disfunctional family, and has spent most of his life smoking, drinking, taking drugs, and sleeping around.
I looked at him, and almost didn't reconize him, he looked so old. His hair was grey, faced wrinkled. He looked almost 20 years older than me. He spoke to me briefly, and soon was on his way. I could tell by his speech, he still was not saved. Raised Catholic, he always thought he was alright with God. My Dad and I had spoke to him, but Christianity had never been what he wanted. He was to busy...living fast. He didn't let me talk long enough to witness to him.
I looked at him, and then started taking inventory of my life. I never did drugs, drank, or smoked. I never had premarital sex. I was saved at 7 years old, baptized with the Holy Ghost and called to preach at 12. I worked in church all my life.
All I could think of was, I am not young, but I do not look 15 or 20 years older than I actually am. I thought, how blessed I am. Yet, there are times I grumble and complain.
I have been doing some real soul searching, lately. My pastor has been emphasizing having joy. I have been praying for God to rekindle, my joy. I am renaming my personal ministry...Oasis of Joy Ministries. We need to always remember the joy of the Lord is our strength.
That is all I could think about, when I saw my old friend. I had the joy of the Lord, and he did not. How different we are. I wouldn't change my life for anything he had done.
Always remember, God is faithful and he gives an oasis of joy,
Steve
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