In last Sunday’s post, I wrote about a college experience in which I witnessed a number of miracles while trying to convince a friend about the truth of my faith. I prayed for Bill for 25 years, and during that span I sometimes Googled his name to see if I could find him, but I gave up on that after having no success, though I continued praying.

In January of 2006, I decided to try the search again. I knew Bill had planned to go into the Navy, so I added “Navy” to his name in the search. I clicked on the very first link that came up, and the page described a man who went to the University of Florida (yes, that’s my college), graduated in 1980 in engineering (Yes again), and was on a Navy scholarship while in school (bingo, once more). I scrolled down and found his photo. Yes, this man is an older version of Bill, same face and body shape, same strong jaw, etc. I found him!

So, what is he doing now? Though he repudiated God’s call and miraculous love, did God’s word have a lasting effect on him?

Drum roll, please. … Bill is now a consultant for Wycliffe Bible Translators. He became a Christian about ten years after the story events and is now on fire for the Lord.

Soon after finding the web page, I called the Wycliffe office and asked for Bill’s contact information. Instead of giving that to me, they sent my contact information to him. He e-mailed me the same day.

Yes, this was the man I had prayed for. He remembered the miracles and how God revealed His grace, power, and mercy. He called himself “stiff-necked,” but now he is following God with all his heart, helping with Bible translators in Southeast Asia.

A good lesson to derive from this experience is to persevere in prayer. Never give up. God does not want anyone to perish spiritually but for all to come to Him.

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Categories: Thoughts from the Heart

Tags: devotions, spiritual