Out of the Desert

At the beginning of March, I flew to Monterey, CA. It was my first trip outside of the Phoenix area since October 2019. I have been taking ministry trips every few weeks for the last 36 years, but Kristina’s health has recently kept me close to home.

I was the guest of my friend Mike Davis on a trip to Carmel for Young Life supporters. For three days, I got to know fourteen guys I had never met as we played golf and enjoyed fellowship. I was refreshed by the crashing surf in Carmel, seeing deer grazing on green grass and being caressed by mellow sunshine. It was a breakthrough for me to walk the lush fairways with thanksgiving in my heart, despite the fact that my golf scores put me in last place in our competition.

If I didn’t have the grace to give thanks to God for the beauty of the courses and the generosity of my friend, I would have missed out on another blessing; because, on the last holes of our three-day tournament, a Jewish man got out of his golf cart and walked up the fairway alongside me. He wanted to know more about my relationship with Christ.

I’m not the kind of guy people approach and ask, “What makes you so happy all the time?” I’m the guy who gets bitten by a dog just as the owner is saying, “Don’t worry about him, he is really friendly.” I’ve learned over the years, if a stranger is acting warmly towards me, they are either trying to sell me something, or they are ready to give their lives to Christ.

Six weeks earlier, I had bumped into a doctor who is a casual friend. I mentioned to him that I had been invited to play at Pebble Beach, Spanish Bay and Spyglass, but I wouldn’t be able to go unless I could get a Covid vaccination first. Covid could kill Kristina since her immune system is suppressed by anti-rejection medication for her heart transplant. She has been getting stronger, but I didn’t want to take any chances with her health.

The day after our chance meeting, the doctor made a call to a friend and arranged for me to get vaccinated. The fact that my wife’s life was in danger had not motivated anyone to help us get a vaccine. However, the fact that I might miss out on the trip of a lifetime was enough to get me to the front of the line.

I explained Kristina’s situation to the nurse who scheduled my vaccination. She would not give me permission to bring her with me. However, I took Kristina to the appointment with me anyway, and she was vaccinated as well. That is the irony of life. Who you know and how they feel about you can be more important than what you need, what you know or what you deserve.

Jesus himself grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52). Wisdom shows us how to apply what we know in the best way. Favor opens doors for us that we don’t deserve. We all need more wisdom and favor at times. God delights to give it to us if we humble ourselves and ask for it.

I’m able to attend live worship services again without concern about Covid. The difference between a live worship service and an online service is night and day. In a recent worship service, I was refreshed by the presence of the Holy Spirit. I was nurtured by hugs from several friends. I renewed connections with people I love. There is a treasure in the body of Christ that is only experienced when we get together in person.

The kingdom of God is not just words, it is power (I Corinthians 4:20). We don’t grow in our relationship with Jesus by just gaining knowledge from the Bible, we grow when we hear the word of God and put it into practice (Luke 8:21). We cannot put love into practice on our own. We must gather together to build relationships in order to encourage and love each other well. There is no such thing as a perfect church, but Christ established the church. He knew his disciples would need it to help them grow in the grace and love of God.

I felt set free when I was able to leave the desert for several days. I was inspired when I was able to return to our worship services. This new season in my life makes me feel like I’ve just graduated from high school all over again.

I hope you use your spiritual gifts and put the love God has given you into relationships which will enrich you and unlock the treasures of Christ in your life.