Knock-knock-knock
I looked up from my spot on the couch and wondered which of the neighborhood kids was at the door. I was about to holler for my son to answer the door for his friend when I noticed the shadow playing through the window was much larger than a ten year old. Unless, you know, this particular ten year old happened to be a giant.
Anyway, I pulled open the door to see a fidgety fellow holding a clipboard. His eyes were wide as if in a constant state of surprise with little black bee bee’s for pupils. A badge hanging around his thick neck twisted with a gust of wind. I sighed and got ready to perform the ol’ not interested routine.
But before I could get out the words he mentioned something about broken windshields. I let the door open a few more inches. “Sorry, what was that?”
He waved his hands through the air conducting his words. “Yeah man, I work with blah blah and I’m out here today seeing if anyone has a damaged windshield on their vehicle.” He pointed up the street. “I’ve got three scheduled for Saturday and can get another one on the truck if you need it.”
I straightened. “Actually, I do have a break in my windshield.” I had just mentioned it to my wife and was planning to call my insurance company.
I led him into the garage where he looked at the damage and started the paperwork. Within a few minutes I was talking to my insurance company getting the details ironed out. When I handed him back the phone, something on his hand caught my eye. I glanced between his hand and the wall trying not to make it awkward.
On each finger was a letter. H-A-T-E. As soon as I realized the word I felt the Holy Spirit stir in my stomach. I looked at the man again and saw that the Lord had tattooed the letters
L-O-V-E across his heart. Then I watched dust fall all around him and pile on the ground.
“Well, that’s about it,” he said as we stepped onto the driveway. “My guys will be out to get that replaced.”
“Thanks man,” I said and shook his hand. Before he could turn away I said, “You know, sometimes the Lord lays things on my heart for different people. Would it be okay if I share what I feel he laid on my heart for you?”
He gave me an earnest look. “Yeah bro. That would be great. I’m very spiritual...not religious though.”
I grinned. “Well, that’s great cause I’m not religious either.” I squinted at him. “Looks like I’m in good company.” I began to explain how I noticed the letters on his hand and told him that in the same way God has tattooed his heart with the word LOVE.
“Whew,” he said and shifted his feet. “I’ve got Goosebumps up and down my arms.”
I lifted my chin. “Yeah, that’s Jesus touching you, man. I continued by explaining the dust I saw and how it was actually the ash from things in him and around him that had been burned to the ground, destroyed. I shared with him that God wanted to scoop away the piles of ash and give him beauty instead. The Lord continued to speak through me about things he wanted to do in his life, inviting him to dive into a new understanding of the Father. Every word struck his heart as his features rolled like a tide.
I commanded Satan to loose every area of his life and released the Holy Spirit over him. When I was finished he looked at me through eye’s that had discovered a new depth and said, “You don’t even know how much I needed that.”
I slapped his shoulder. “God did.”
When we make a choice to be the hands and feet of Christ it doesn’t have to look like the story above. In fact, it probably should look different for each of us as we are unique and special with different gifts and abilities.
But the commonality will be the love that is lived and expressed through a word, hug, deed, or however else the Lord leads us to impact someone’s life. Contrary to Miss Trainor, it’s all about dat love.
Blessings,
Jesse and Kara Birkey
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Jesse and Kara Birkey are committed lovers of Jesus who seek to show others the extraordinary life of Jesus is available for everyone. They have authored two books, been featured in films and seek to serve the Lord in whatever ways they can. Follow their blog here.
Bring Jesse and Kara to your venue. Find more information here.
Get a sneak preview of Jesse’s upcoming fiction, Finding Home.
Life Resurrected, Extraordinary Miracles through Ordinary People has been endorsed by Sid Roth and Mark Virkler and is a collection of inspiring stories making it clear that the extraordinary life of Jesus is available to all who love Him. It’s also the testimony of Jesse’s life, the road he travelled bringing him into the arms of Jesus. Get the paperback here. Get the Kindle Version Here. View the trailer here.
Marriage What’s the Point? One couple finds meaning in a crazy mess is the story of their marriage—The tragedy and the restoration. They bear their hearts in an attempt to get others to bear theirs and finally receive the freedom they’ve longed for. Get the paperback here. Get the Kindle Version Here.
Jesse is also featured in the film DeadRaiser, a movie shining the spotlight on resurrection testimonies across the nation. Find more information here.
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