On my journey, I was given a life verse. This is the story.
In 1992, while at a meeting focusing on evangelism held at First Baptist Church, Seguin, a large group of full-time vocational evangelists were in attendance.
For promotional purposes, each had placed their tri-fold pamphlets on tables for review and selection.
Judy and I scanned, then chose one pamphlet and began to walk away. Its owner stopped us and explained: “You chose my tri-fold. If you invite me to come to your church for an evangelistic revival, I will come for only a ‘love offering.' Once scheduled, no other church, no matter their size, will ‘bump’ you.’”
He paused, and waited for my reply. With sudden insight, I said, “Sir, I believe I know you.”
“No, you wouldn’t know me,” he replied, “I don’t have seminary or a highprofile resume.”
I responded, “I remember!
“In 1962, you and Ray Glesson, a poultry-science major from Rhode Island, came to my dorm room at Texas A&M and opened my Bible to Philippians 4:19 and read ‘My God shall supply all your needs through Christ Jesus.’ Then you prayed with me.”
This is the power of the scriptures, I continue to call on this verse for comfort and direction.
During the 30-year interval, I had no other contact with this man of God; therefore, our reunion was a moment of great impact.
As we shook hands, his wife said, “Our ministry has been challenging of late; we came tonight looking for encouragement. You answered our prayer.”
It was a moment of serendipity: “The faculty of making desirable but unsought-for discoveries by accident.” (American College Dictionary)
We were happy to invite this couple to our mission for a revival meeting.
As we drove back to San Marcos, I shared with Judy a long-ago memory. At Texas A&M, life was hectic. I had marginal grades and the weight of being an Aggie was pulling me down.
When those two upperclassmen entered my room and showed me that verse, a serenity engulfed me; it lifted my spirit and energized me.
It carried me up and over the mountain of discouragement. I felt relieved and powerful.
Without being asked, the Holy Spirit had touched my soul.
Many times since that spring day in 1962 I have continued to reread Philippians 4:19, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
What is your life verse?
