By Claudia Koenig
My husband and I were at a conference in Florida. The weather was rather overcast and cool, so taking a break did not draw us outside. Nonetheless, I went to the pool to sit for a few minutes in the open and cool air.
After a short time, a young man came to sit in the chair beside me. I told him that my husband would be joining me. So, he took the chair next to that one.
He talked about why we were each in Florida. That discussion led to Israel. He went into the story about his successful national career and the Jewish people with whom he worked. He asked what the “Israel Peace Process” was all about. I was surprised. I explained it biblically, and he accepted my explanation.
I told him it was because of God’s kindness that he has been successful, and that God would continue to be kind to him so that he would acknowledge Him. I said, “Don’t ever not acknowledge God. It is He who has done all for you. But, if you continue not to respond to His kindness, he will stop his blessings. He loves you, and He wants you to know Him.” Immediately he said, “I acknowledge Him.”
I then spoke to Him about the God of Israel and His Son. I explained what the Bible says about salvation through Christ and the decision he had to make. I asked him if he wanted to make that decision right then. Without hesitation, he said that he would. I was so surprised.
Before we started praying, a flock of black birds began to surround the area where we were sitting. They were flying and squawking all around us. In the midst of the wing flapping and noise, the young man prayed and surrendered his life to Jesus.
I told him, “You are now in God’s hands so tightly. No one nor anything can take you out of them. You will be in heaven no matter what happens.” He had a serious and humble look on his countenance. He looked down. Then he looked at me with a huge breath of relief and said, “It’s done! Thank you.”
After we finished, we talked about the Bible and the need to read and study it.
He mentally noted what Bible to get and what to read. Right after, the birds simply flew away. That was odd.
Later that evening, he saw me in the hotel and called out my name. I approached him to shake his hand and greet him. He introduced me to his Jewish friends. One was born in Israel. The other one lived in New York. They each mentioned Israel a bit. My new friend said, “I have learned about Israel, the peace process, and God.”
He continued, “I am going to be fine! I am going read the Bible and study it because I have to keep up what I have done. Right?” He looked at me with a big smile. “I am going to start reading the book of John in the NASB Bible. Then I am going to read Matthew and read to the end.” And, I have learned from the Bible about the Israel Peace Process. He smiled big again. He had so much joy! He looked at his Jewish friends, “Right, Claudia?”
I looked in those gleaming, joyous eyes, “Yes, you are FINE NOW.” He will have much to share with his Jewish friends. God will continue the work. Joy filled his whole being. He left with his friends, but he looked back to give his departing gesture, looking straight into my eyes with a smile for JESUS!
“Abba, Father, because of the cloudy, cool weather in Florida, I didn’t want to go outside, but I did anyway just to get some fresh air. But really, it was You who sent me out for a soul.”
“Jesus, one by one, You take me to those who are seeking You. In Your faithfulness and loving-kindness, You send out whomever you choose to tell them about You. How blessed we are, both the believer and non-believer, to know or to seek You. You are after souls and more so now, because You are soon to return. Cause us, Your chosen, to risk mentioning Your Name to the strangers around us. And, glorify Your Name.”
“Holy Spirit, thank you for putting the thought in my heart to go out for fresh air and for leading that young man to sit by my side to hear about Jesus. He is saved now. Who would have thought that a breath of fresh air would have come with a new breath of life in Christ? Thank You.”
For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: - Isaiah 43:3
Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God. Isaiah 43:10-12
Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord God; Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come. Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord God; I will even gather you from the people, and assemble you out of the countries where ye have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel. Ezekiel 11:16-17
Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; Acts 17:25
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4
All scripture: KJV