By Claudia Koenig
We had been leasing a place for some time. The owner had moved out of state, pursuing a life that she thought would make her happy.
Several years later, it was time for us to move. But I did not want to leave without telling the owner about Jesus.
We made all the arrangements, and we left for our new place. Our schedule and the owner’s did not allow us to see each other before we moved.
Months went by. The owner had not returned our lease deposit. I contacted her several times but got no response. I finally contacted her father—a retired lawyer.
I stayed on my knees daily, asking the Lord to bring her. We had leased her beautiful place for a long time, and I wanted to thank her and most of all I wanted to tell her about Jesus.
I said, “Lord, you allowed us to lease her place, and I did not want to leave without telling her about You. And I am not going to give up. We did not stay in her place for her to not know You. Please bring her.”
A couple of weeks later, the owner contacted us. She wanted to come by to see us.
The answer to my prayers for her salvation was coming.
She walked into our place and took a seat. It was a bit awkward for both of us, the past tenant and landlord sitting together in our new place. I thought of how this must be uncomfortable for her because she had not returned our deposit.
Immediately, however, she took out a checkbook and apologized repeatedly. I saw the repentant look on her face. I drew closer to her and said, “It is okay. I am just glad to see you again. I want to tell you that Jesus loves you. Did you know that? We discussed her heart’s desire for a good life, how things did not work out for her, and her understanding of God.
I explained to her that living a good life is impossible without knowing the God who loves her and has the perfect plan for her—to give her a hope and a future. I told her that she had to be willing to know Him and believe in Him.
She then talked about those who say they know God, but are fakes. I told her that her focus was in the wrong place. She had to look at God instead: who He is and what He did because of His love for her. I asked her if she wanted to know Him. I didn’t know what she was going to say. She hesitated for a moment, relaxed, and said, “Yes, I really do.”
Do you think that you might want to know Him now?” I asked. She looked at me with such eagerness and gently said, “Yes.”
“Let’s pray,” I said to her. She began to pray with me. She believed in Jesus and gave her life to Him.
“Abba, how my heart wanted this one to know you. You sent us to live in a place just for one soul! How is it, Messiah, that we are not of this world, that we are strangers here. We are just passing through, reaping the souls as we pass by Your harvest, wherever it may be. No matter, Messiah, if it is a hundred souls or one. It is Your harvest!”
“My cry was before you for this one for several months, and You answered! How you love those that do not know You and want them to believe in You. Your will is that they do not perish. Thank you for bringing this one to the knowledge of who You are, Savior of souls!”
“Take us, Holy Spirit to where the Father wills to the one soul or the hundred souls who are being drawing to the Son of God.”
“The time for Your return, Messiah is so near. Cause us to be so thirsty and hungry for Your Word, that in eating and drinking it, we are willing to wait in prayer with hearts full of Your love for souls that are ready for living water, that they too may drink and eat!—You, Jesus!”
I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. (Psalm 40:1, KJV)
My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. (Psalm 62:5)
But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. (2 Corinthians 4:3-6)
Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. (James 5:8)