“I will pour out my Spirit on
all people. Your sons and
daughters will prophesy,
Your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.”
Acts 2:17; Joel 2:28
On September 15th, Shaun turned in his
“daddy badge”, Betsy turned in her “mommy badge”, and together we closed a treasured
chapter of life. With kids out of the house and both pets having died in recent
months, we are definitely amidst a season of “re-ordering relationship”. For
us, embracing divine change in this season entails a lot of travel.
Just two days ago we experienced
a very intriguing commuter plane flight. Shortly after boarding and taxiing off
the tarmac, our pilot announced that one of the airplane engines was not
functioning, and we’d be pulling back to the gate. Long story short and some
time later, we boarded a different aircraft and took our seats, Shaun on the
isle and Betsy by the window. (We’ve found our inconveniences are often used
for God’s greater glory, so we emotionally “just went with it”. All the while,
Betsy was reading Dreams and Visions: Is Jesus Awakening the Muslim World?
by Tom Doyle.)
Our first plane
wasn’t fully occupied, but the second was at full capacity. Wouldn’t you know, the last man on the plane politely asked
(in his Middle Eastern accent) if he could take the only seat remaining…the one between us. With a smile, “of
course” was our reply.
Right away, Dreams
and Visions caught Farhad’s attention. Having just returned from Tehran,
Farhad’d heard stories of “a man in a white robe appearing in dreams”. (Jesus
is on the MOVE big time in the Middle East!) Intrigued, Farhad and Betsy
conversed as he showed her surprisingly lovely lush photos of his homeland.
Their hearts and eyes uttered profound spiritual exchanges, and in the descent
to landing, Betsy felt prompted to ask Farhad if he would accept her book as a
gift, after all, this book had been a recent gift to her.
Farhad accepted the
book, held it to his heart and tenderly uttered, “I will treasure this
forever.” Then we prayerfully parted ways. (Betsy inscribed the cover and also
wrote down the contact info for two of our Persian friends to whom Jesus appeared
in their respective dreams, prompting their conversion from their Muslim faith
to boldly following Jesus.)
It’s comforting to
know that Farhad is beloved and treasured by Jesus, and that Christ will make
Himself known to anyone who genuinely desires to know Him. It’s thrilling to
partner with Jesus and watch Him “ooze His love” on precious souls through
interaction and prayer.
“The Lord is
not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is
patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish,
but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Pet. 3:9
Are you experiencing a season of
re-ordering relationship? If so, embrace the changes. (And thank goodness we
have Jesus to leads us by example…like in Jn. 2:3 when He left the season of
being a boy, modified His family relationships and began His public ministry!)
God has magnificent plans for each
season of our lives. May we live every moment for Him!
Much love, ~Shaun and Betsy
